Join scientists from the UK Critical Mineral Intelligence Centre (CMIC) for a live webinar introducing our latest report, exploring the extent to which UK waste classification and management frameworks influence the recovery of critical minerals. End-of-life (EoL) products, manufacturing residues and industrial waste streams are emerging as increasingly important secondary sources of critical minerals. More effective recovery of these materials could enhance the UK’s supply-chain resilience, contribute to net zero objectives and reduce reliance on imported primary raw materials. Achieving the ambitions set out in the UK Critical Minerals Strategy (Department for Business and Trade, 2025) will require a more integrated policy framework that brings together waste management, circular economy principles and objectives, and critical mineral supply-chain resilience. Our latest research identifies several challenges that currently limit the recovery and recycling of critical minerals, including regulatory frameworks, environmental risks, and shortage of specialist skills. The study also identifies considerable opportunities to expand secondary supply. Many EoL products or waste streams contain concentrations of critical minerals that are comparable to or even exceed those considered feasible for recycling or those found in mineral deposits. The rapid deployment of low-carbon technologies, including electric vehicles, wind turbines and photovoltaics, is expected to generate increasing volumes of recoverable EoL materials in the future. These developments indicate significant potential for EoL products to contribute to meeting future demand for certain critical minerals. Register online Relative topics critical minerals critical raw materials energy transition

In South Asia, a region facing rapid economic growth, immense population pressure, and high climate vulnerability, the circular economy (CE) has become a critical imperative for sustainable development. This study provides a comparative overview of the CE landscape across eight South Asian countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The analysis reveals the CE transition is nascent region-wide, though India has advanced its policy landscape through a comprehensive suite of rules and missions and Pakistan is developing a national policy. The primary focus remains on waste management, evidenced by programs like Bhutan’s ‘Zero Waste by 2030’ vision, the Maldives’ Single-Use Plastic Phase-Out Plan, and Sri Lanka’s Clean Sri Lanka Programme. While Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is emerging for plastics and e-waste in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, a significant “policy-practice gap” persists, undermined by weak enforcement and governance fragmented across priority sectors like plastics, food systems, and textiles. Most major CE initiatives are catalyzed by international development partners, with regional programs playing a key role in funding innovation. Finally, while the informal sector is the backbone of material recovery, ensuring a just transition that improves working conditions and secures livelihoods remains a critical challenge. The absence of a cohesive regional framework limits collaboration. Scaling the circular economy in South Asia requires integrated national strategies, prioritizing a just transition for the informal sector, and establishing a regional platform for policy harmonization to create self-sustaining system through multi-sectoral involvement, including the business sector.

Parramatta’s Colonial Farms are the latest addition to our National Heritage List. This listing acknowledges Parramatta’s rich history and its role in our national story. It includes: Elizabeth Farm Estate Experiment Farm their associated landscapes. Together, the farms represent the early land ownership system in Australia. This formalised European occupation as well as the displacement and dispossession of First Nations people. It is a key part of Australia’s history. The farms also provide a rare insight into: early colonial agriculture in Australia the birth of Australia's wool industry. The Australian Heritage Council (AHC) assessed the place for heritage listing. It found the place has outstanding heritage value to the nation. As part of the assessment, the AHC consulted key stakeholders including: owners and occupiers First Nations people with rights and interests in the place the nominator the public. Our National Heritage List is a record of the places that shape our national identity. Adding Parramatta’s Colonial Farms to the list will help protect them for years to come. Read more Joint media release: Parramatta Farms added to Australia's National Heritage List | Ministers(external link) Parramatta's Colonial Farms Heritage lists

Mount Morgan now has a safer and more reliable drinking water supply following completion of the $88.2 million Mount Morgan Water Supply Pipeline project. The completed pipeline strengthens water security for the Queensland town. It also helps the community prepare for potential future periods of drought. A long-term solution for Mount Morgan The 28 km pipeline connects Mount Morgan to the Rockhampton water network, providing a reliable supply of treated drinking water. The project also adds water supply capacity to growth areas in the region, including Gracemere. The pipeline is now operational following testing and commissioning. It provides a long-term solution to a challenge that became critical during drought in 2021. At that time, Mount Morgan’s No. 7 Dam fell below 10% capacity. This led to level 6 water restrictions and the need to cart water into town from Rockhampton. Water carting continued until early 2024, when dam levels recovered. The new pipeline provides a secure drinking water supply and removes the need to rely on water carting as a long-term solution. Building a more secure water supply The project included: 28 km pipeline between Gracemere and Mount Morgan upgrades to the pump station at the Old Capricorn Highway a new pump station and twin 3.65 megalitre reservoirs in Gracemere a new pump station and 500 kilolitre reservoir at Moonmera. Treated water moves from the Athelstane Reservoirs in South Rockhampton. It flows through Gracemere and Moonmera. Then, it gets pumped over the Mount Morgan Range to the Mount Morgan South Reservoir. The project will boost residents' and businesses' confidence in the town's water supply. It will also support Mount Morgan's growth in the future. Governments working together The Australian Government invested $30 million in the project through the National Water Grid Fund. The Queensland Government contributed $40.4 million and Rockhampton Regional Council provided $17.8 million. Read more Joint media release: Crucial water security delivered for Mount Morgan | Ministers(external link) Mount Morgan water supply pipeline Queensland National Water grid projects

Hundreds of non-compliant crab pots and illegal fishing gear have been removed from priority areas across the Great Barrier Reef. Lost, abandoned and non-compliant fishing gear can pose risks to protected marine species including turtles, dugongs, whales and dolphins. This work was part of a joint clean-up operation funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust. The operation was led by the Queensland Government. It involved: Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) officers Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers partner agencies. They removed 786 non-compliant crab pots and illegal fishing gear from high-risk locations and key areas between Port Douglas and Central Queensland. They used patrol vessels and remotely piloted aircraft to locate and remove the gear. The 2026 operation builds on ongoing efforts to protect the Reef. Between 2023 and 2026, QBFP seized 2,892 crab pots from the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Read more Joint media release: Queensland waters cleaned up in joint operation | Ministers(external link)