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From Politics to Mining: Dominic Raab's Journey and Insights on Critical Minerals

Nov 17, 2025
Dominic Raab, former UK Deputy Prime Minister and now Head of Global Affairs at Appian Capital Advisory, shares insights on his shift from politics to mining. He discusses the skyrocketing demand for critical minerals like cobalt and lithium, highlighting the geopolitical complexities involved. Raab emphasizes the importance of public–private partnerships in securing supply chains while addressing how the UK and Europe can remain competitive despite resource limitations. He also offers a bullish outlook for the mining industry, predicting significant growth and innovation in the coming years.
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ANECDOTE

Transition Motivated By Geopolitics

  • Dominic Raab chose mining because his foreign policy and diplomatic experience matched the geopolitical challenges around critical minerals.
  • He joined Appian Capital after valuing mission, leadership, and the chance to add value in public-private engagement.
INSIGHT

Delivery As Competitive Advantage

  • Appian focuses on delivery and has brought 12 mining projects into production since 2016, outperforming the five largest miners combined on that metric.
  • This delivery focus makes it an attractive partner for governments seeking capable investors.
ADVICE

Governments Should De-Risk Projects

  • Governments should provide capital support, streamline permitting, and enable public-private partnerships to level the playing field against state-backed competitors.
  • Choose reliable investors rather than picking specific commercial winners to mobilize private capital effectively.
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