Chris is the Responsible Mining Lead at the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). His team support UK companies working in the mining and mineral processing industries, encouraging UK exports and attracting investment into mining and minerals projects. Chris is a former professional geologist who focussed on geotechnics and engineering geology before joining the Civil Service. He has worked 'on site' for projects in Sudan, Iceland, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Antarctica and Gibraltar. Chris started his career working for a British junior mining company as gold exploration geologist in Sudan. He has also carried out field work and reporting for the British Antarctic Survey. In September 2025, he supported UK companies participating in a DBT Mining Trade Mission to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.