5 October 2026
What can happen when people across the minerals sector come together to inspire the next generation?
During the 2025–26 academic year, Minerals Matter and our community of ambassadors, industry partners and educators continued to showcase the minerals sector to thousands of young people across the UK – introducing them to the materials we rely on, the people behind them and the many different careers within the sector.
Our 126 ambassadors delivered 332 activities, reaching 132,333 participants and contributing 1,454 hours of activity. Compared with the previous year, that’s a 60% increase in activities, 68% more participants reached and 126% more activity hours.
Young people encountered the sector in all sorts of ways: 5,500 students at the Big Bang Fair, more than 18,000 through Careers Live broadcasts, and 3,900 through Mineral Mission boxes, alongside the Cornwall Mining Games, Hillhead, the Livery Showcase and many other school and careers activities.
We’ve also continued to work with teachers, develop classroom resources and create opportunities for industry and education to connect. Our digital reach has grown too, with 156,452 LinkedIn impressions, 4,500 new website users and 1,389 newsletter subscribers.
But the real impact of this work may not be visible immediately. It might be a conversation that sparks an interest years later, a teacher who introduces minerals into a lesson, or a young person who remembers meeting someone from the sector when they come to think about their future.
“For every 1,000 young people we reach, there may only be one who goes on to pursue a career in the minerals sector. But that one person is why we keep reaching out.”
Andrew Fulton, CEO Anglesey Mining
Every conversation counts.
A huge thank you to our ambassadors, industry partners, teachers, volunteers and supporters for giving their time, sharing their experiences and helping us reach the next generation.
We’re proud of what has been achieved during 2025–26 and are excited to see the impact grow year on year to create a sustainable pipeline of talent into the sector.