Explore the pressures reshaping mineral supply chains at a moment of acute strategic uncertainty. Understand how concentration risk, project financing gaps, and a slow pipeline of new supply are forcing producers, buyers, and investors to rethink resilience. Examine what it actually takes to move projects from commitment to production.
About
We convene the full critical minerals value chain, from miners and refiners to manufacturers and consumer-facing brands, who are ready to move beyond surface-level sustainability commitments and short-term supply fixes. Over two days, we’ll critically examine how responsible sourcing, supply security, and value chain accountability translate into operational resilience and lasting business impact.
Expect off-the-record, interactive, and focused sessions where your expertise drives the conversation, tackling what’s working, what’s failing, and what comes next for critical minerals in a high-stakes transition.
This year's themes
Supply security
Responsible sourcing
Move beyond the promise of traceability to interrogate what responsible sourcing frameworks can realistically deliver. Examine where engagement with artisanal mining falls short, how audit demands are outpacing capacity, and what data is genuinely decision-useful. Ensure that due diligence efforts translate into real impact rather than compliance theatre.
Value chain accountability
Tackle the accountability gaps that persist from mine to manufacturer. Explore how producers, midstream operators, buyers, and financiers can share risk and drive change across the full value chain. From digital battery passports and procurement under CSDDD to the partnerships that make upstream standards stick in practice.
Sustainability beyond carbon
Examine how nature, water, and social license are moving from peripheral concerns to core business risk. Learn how leading companies are integrating biodiversity loss, water stress, and community impact into their strategies. Explore where tailings recovery, waste innovation, and evolving reporting frameworks are creating both obligation and opportunity.
What sets this event apart
Off the record
Held under the Chatham House rule to promote candid conversation that drives real progress. The hard questions, uncomfortable truths and reality of mistakes. This isn’t a PR platform. It is a space for genuine dialogue.
No PowerPoint or scripts
No presentations, no jargon, no scripted panels. All sessions are structured for dynamic discussion and audience participation.
Networking that works
We cap attendance to ensure an intimate forum that brings together the right stakeholders. Every conversation is relevant. Every meeting is valuable. And every connection matters.
Practical, hands-on format
You won’t be sat in a large room listening for two days. There’s a major focus on audience participation, interaction and problem solving. Come prepared with questions, ideas, solutions and be ready to get involved.
Event format
Audience led
Every session is driven by the challenges, questions and opinions in the audience. This structure ensures a focus on real world problem solving and the realities on the ground.
Interactive roundtables
Small group discussions that take a deep dive into very focused topics. Each table is led by a facilitator to keep the conversation on track, while participants share ideas, experiences, challenges and solutions.
Inspirational keynotes
Hear from leading experts and businesses. We’re all working towards the same goals. This is a chance to take stock and to take inspiration, ideas and energy for the year ahead.
Practical case studies
Real world case studies where speakers are encouraged to share the good, the bad and the ugly. An opportunity to learn from your peers what works, and what doesn’t.
Marketing partners
Highlight video
""The Critical Minerals Innovation Forum was a truly inspiring event connecting the entire critical mineral value chain, from mining and refining to automotive, electronics, and renewables. The event was also a fantastic networking opportunity — I connected with over 20 representatives from across the value chain.""
Director of Business and Biodiversity Impact
Wildlife Conservation Society
""I found the event very interesting, both with regard to the knowledgeable speaker and other attendants, but also regarding the concept (relatively small scale but very relevant and without long introductions and "standard" PowerPoint presentations). I've added IF to my list of organisations to follow.""
Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality
Connect Bus
Who attends
The conference brings together cross-functional leadership from across industries, including global brands, retailers, and manufacturers. Discussions are designed for decision-makers, providing diverse perspectives across the entire supply chain, from suppliers and policy makers to sourcing professionals and investors.
Join the conversation
13th - 14th October 2026
London, UK
Contact
For any questions on this event, please contact:
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