The Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) has jointly signed an open letter to UK university leaders providing evidence-based information about the fundamental role of material, minerals and mining in daily life and the transition to a low-carbon, resilient and resource-efficient society.

IOM3 and five other signatories have come together to emphasise the need for a high-quality education and training pipeline for a skilled, responsible and sustainable materials, minerals and mining workforce.

The Critical Minerals Association (CMA) (UK), Institute of Quarrying (IQ), Mineral Products Association (MPA), Mineral Products Qualification Council (MPQC) and Mining Association of the UK (MAUK) have co-signed the letter in which they stress the need to meet the increasing global demand for resources, such as homes, transport systems, healthcare and clean-energy technologies, while highlighting current skills gaps and declining education and training provisions.

Collectively, they aim to combat the inconsistencies of misinformation and decision-making with the need to increase sustainability and address the climate crisis. They work to raise the standards and professional competence in materials, minerals and mining, and support industries in driving environmental, social and governance best practice.

IOM3 CEO Dr Colin Church CEnv FIMMM said, “There is a real need for evidence-based decisions, especially when it concerns our future. If we want to transition to a low-carbon, resilient and resource-efficient society, the responsible mining of metals and minerals is essential. This in turn means we need skilled professionals with high-quality education and training to do the work, and universities play an important role in this.”

For more information, please visit the IOM3 website.