UK and US Sign Landmark Minerals Deal

Agreement aims to secure critical supply chains for clean energy and industry

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The UK and US have signed a major memorandum of understanding to bolster the resilience of energy supply chains through secure access to critical minerals. The deal was signed at a global summit in Washington, DC and sets out a shared framework to safeguard the materials essential for powering both countries' clean energy and industrial futures.

Why it matters

Access to critical minerals is essential for the development of clean energy technologies and industrial manufacturing. This agreement aims to reduce vulnerabilities in mineral supply chains, diversify markets, and protect access to the minerals that power everything from wind turbines and solar cells to electric vehicles and defense technologies.

The details

The memorandum of understanding was formalized by Foreign Office Minister Seema Malhotra and US Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg. It sets out a shared framework between the UK and US to secure access to the critical minerals needed to power clean energy and industrial development in both countries.

  • The agreement was signed on February 10, 2026 at a global summit in Washington, DC.

The players

Seema Malhotra

Foreign Office Minister for the United Kingdom.

Jacob Helberg

US Under Secretary of State.

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What they’re saying

“This agreement is a major step forward in securing the critical mineral supply chains that will power our clean energy and industrial futures.”

— Seema Malhotra, Foreign Office Minister

“By working together, the UK and US can reduce vulnerabilities and protect access to the minerals that are essential for emerging technologies.”

— Jacob Helberg, US Under Secretary of State

What’s next

The two countries will now work to implement the agreement, including identifying specific projects and investments to boost domestic mining and processing capabilities.

The takeaway

This landmark deal between the UK and US demonstrates the growing global importance of critical mineral security, as nations race to build the clean energy and industrial technologies of the future.