Oliver Richards

Head of Critical Minerals and Mining (International) Department for Business and Trade

Oliver is an international government and business leader with 20+ years' experience operating at the intersection of government, industry and geopolitics across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Oliver currently leads the UK’s critical minerals strategy internationally, working closely with the public and private sector investment communities, and international partners. He is a former diplomat, and has led market access negotiations, major infrastructure and investment programmes, and built strategic partnerships across governments and multinational organisations. He has broad experience in sectors including critical minerals, mining, infrastructure, clean energy, defence, higher education and advanced manufacturing.