GeoFutures 2026: Critical Minerals

Kathryn Goodenough, British Geological Survey

Prof Kathryn Goodenough is a Principal Geologist at the British Geological Survey (BGS) and an Honorary Professor at the University of Aberdeen. She has a research focus on the geology and resources of critical minerals, particularly the rare earth elements (REE) and lithium (Li). She has led BGS involvement in a wide range of international projects, including work with the FCDO developing international partnerships to support the UK's Critical Minerals Strategy. She was recognised as one of 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining (WIM100) in 2020; she is a Chartered Geologist; and was awarded the Geological Society’s Coke Medal in 2025

Nick Gardiner, University of St Andrews

Nick Gardiner is Senior Lecturer at the University of St Andrews. A petrologist and geochemist, he works on crustal evolution processes with a current research focus on granite-hosted critical mineral deposits investigated through the lens of mineral chemistry. He has worked in Myanmar, Rwanda and South Africa, and more recently has focused on lithium projects in Zimbabwe, eSwatini and Namibia. He studied Earth Sciences at Oxford, did a Geochemistry MSc at Leeds, and returned to Oxford for a DPhil in metamorphic petrology and isotope geochemistry. After working in commodities trading for nearly a decade, he returned to academia with research positions back at Oxford and four years in Australia, before joining St Andrews in 2019. From 2021-2024 he chaired the Geological Society's Energy Transition theme.

Dr Sarah Gordon (Professor of Practice), CEO and Co-founder Satarla, Imperial College London

Sarah is the co-founder and CEO of Satarla sustainability and risk management, co-founder of the not-for-profit Responsible Raw Materials and production company Critical Productions.  She is also a Professor of Practice at Imperial College London.   
 
Having started her career as an exploration geologist before moving into risk management and sustainability, Sarah has always been passionate about ensuring that we make sustainability a reality.  Sarah is regularly invited to advise organisations and governments on raw materials and is a member of the UK Government Expert Committee on Raw Materials.  She is also a Board member for Women in Mining UK, and an Industry Advisor to iCRAG as well as the University of Leicester Institute for Environmental Futures.

Karen Hudson-Edwards, Professor in Sustainable Mining, University of Exeter

Karen is an environmental geochemist and mineralogist whose research focuses on the environmental impacts of mining and the development of sustainable mining practices. Karen investigates the mechanisms and products of contaminant cycling in mine wastes, ground and surface waters, contaminated land, and dusts. Her work aims to improve understanding of how mining-derived contaminants move through and interact with the environment, supporting the development of effective remediation and management strategies for mine wastes and impacted sites.

Karen's research also examines the global biogeochemical and human health impacts of mining, with a particular emphasis on the sustainable extraction of technology metals and critical raw materials. In addition, she explores the role of circular economy principles in mining, identifying opportunities to reduce waste, recover valuable resources, and support a more sustainable minerals sector. Through this work, Karen contributes to advancing environmentally responsible mining practices and resource stewardship.