The paper entitled, ''Midstream Processing and Refining: Unlocking Security of Supply,'' used Pensana's  UK-based rare earth oxide refinery as a case study project for strengthening a domestic supply chain of critical materials.

"Pensana has commenced construction of a rare earth separation facility at the Saltend Chemicals Park in the Humber Freeport," the 63-page CMA report states. "It will be one of only three such facilities in the world outside of China - the other two being Lynas Corporation's facility in Malaysia and the currently being developed in the US by MP Materials."

The company plans to ship "high purity mixed rare earth double sulphate" feedstock to the refinery from its Longonjo mine in Angola.

Longonjo is projected to produce 40,000 tpa of mixed rare earth double sulphate with a 20-year lifespan.  Production and processing at the mine utilise hydroelectric power., reducing Pensana's carbon footprint.

The tailings storage facility at Longonjo also adheres to the requirements of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management.

"To regain some security of supply, the UK should cultivate its midstream sector to ensure it is not vulnerable to sudden supply chain disturbances," read the report.

The CMA is also calling on the UK government to incentivise and accelerate investment into domestic midstream and downstream processing, enable the decarbonisation of critical mineral supply chains, increase access to renewable energy, and align government departments on the importance of critical minerals.

Additionally, the association wants UK freeports to be leveraged to promote international business while extending the nation's commercial power through supporting UK critical mineral companies operating abroad.  

"Concerns over critical minerals shortages are already creating global competition," the CMA wrote. "This will require an equivalent increase in mining and metal refining capacity - many Western nations have outsourced this to developing nations over the past century."