lunar society discusses critical materials for the future

This week, the Lunar Society was delighted to host our Annual Boulton & Watt Lecture at the University of Birmingham, welcoming Professor David Brown from the School of Metallurgy and Materials.

Professor Brown explored the urgent global question of critical materials, the metals that underpin our modern world and power the green transition. From lithium in our smartphones to rare earth elements in electric vehicles and wind turbines, these materials are essential to communications, defence, renewable energy and life sciences.

A particular focus was placed on rare earth magnets and the strategic challenges surrounding their supply. Much of the mining, separation, refining and magnet production currently takes place in China, raising important questions about resilience and national capacity.

We had some excellent questions from the audience ranging from the role of A.I. and recycling to geopolitics and tin mining in Cornwall (a nod to the original 18th Century Society!)

The lecture also highlighted Birmingham’s pioneering role in magnetic materials. With the University of Birmingham’s new rare earth magnet recycling facility now open, the Second City is helping to shape the future of critical materials.

Just as Boulton and Watt harnessed material innovation to power the Industrial Revolution, today’s scientists and engineers are grappling with the materials that will power the green transition. A fascinating and timely discussion!