The North East Future Resources Conference (NEFR) drew hundreds of delegates and investment leaders from across the UK to Newcastle, spotlighting the region’s emergence as a hub for critical minerals and renewable energy.
Organised by Weardale Lithium and now in its third year, the event showcased strong engagement from London’s investment community, reflecting significant interest in the North East’s critical minerals sector.
Delegates connected with industry experts, policymakers, and thought leaders who shared insights into the future of resource supply, security, and sustainability.
Keynote speaker Sir Michael Fallon, former Defence Secretary and Energy Minister, delivered a compelling overview of the political landscape shaping the net zero agenda and highlighted the strategic importance of critical minerals in achieving these targets.
Discussions focused on the extraction and processing of critical minerals vital to sectors including automotive, defence, and renewable energy. Investment opportunities were also explored, particularly in the development of gigafactories for battery manufacturing and facilities supporting electric vehicle production.
The conference provided an invaluable platform for networking and knowledge-sharing, uniting stakeholders from across the industry. Delegates delved into advancements in EV battery supply chains, materials recycling, and next-generation research and development.
The event reinforced the North East’s position as a leader in responsible mineral extraction and a cornerstone of the UK’s sustainable energy infrastructure.
Stewart Dickson, CEO of Weardale Lithium and organiser of the conference, highlighted the North East’s potential:
“The North East has a unique opportunity to establish a thriving critical minerals industry, which is essential for supporting the energy sector, automotive, and defence industries.
“The strong turnout at this year’s conference, particularly from delegates outside the region, underlines the growing interest and investment potential in the North East’s critical minerals opportunities. We are thrilled to have welcomed hundreds of delegates to Newcastle to showcase the work being done here and to foster connections that can help drive future growth.”
Events like NEFR continue to bolster the North East’s role in advancing the UK’s net zero ambitions while driving sustainable economic growth.