178. Making supply chains more resilient through enhanced domestic midstream (processing of materials) and recycling capabilities will create export potential and reduce consumer costs.154
179. Stakeholders argued that investment into such capabilities will increase the number of green jobs. For example, the UK EV battery production workforce is predicted to increase to 78,000 new roles by 2040.155 Additionally, stakeholders highlighted that recycling materials through supply chains will strengthen the UK circular economy (see Pillar 3) and lessen reliance on more volatile networks, in addition to creating opportunities for stable business growth.
180. The UK Government has already started to act in this space. It published the Critical Minerals Strategy in 2022 which acknowledges the need to make UK supply chains more resilient and the importance of diversification in doing so. However, stakeholders advised that it is important that the Government sets a precedent for other sectors to follow through its procurement processes. For example, the British Metals Recycling Association outlined that the UK Government has an opportunity now to "put in place strong green procurement policies, especially within national infrastructure projects where the Government could require certain levels of recycled metals to be used."156