Cornish Lithium has announced the upcoming launch of a £15 million demonstration plant for lithium production in Cornwall, marking a significant step in the UK’s transition to clean energy.
Located near St Austell, the facility will begin producing lithium hydroxide from granite sourced from an old china clay pit. This lithium is essential for manufacturing batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs). The project aims to reduce the UK’s reliance on imported, carbon-intensive materials from countries like China.
A plaque-unveiling ceremony is scheduled for Friday at the Trelavour Hard Rock project site. Cornish Lithium plans to produce 10,000 tonnes of sustainable domestic lithium annually by 2027.
Chief Executive Jeremy Wrathall emphasized the critical role of lithium in the production of EVs, grid-scale electricity storage, and rechargeable electronics. He noted that by 2030, the UK is projected to need around 110,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent, yet currently imports all of its lithium.
Wrathall stated, “Cornwall is home to the largest lithium resource in Europe, with enough reserves to supply over half of the electric vehicle industry’s needs. This untapped advantage could make our industries more competitive and resilient against global supply chain issues.”
The demonstration plant has been funded through an investment package from the National Wealth Fund, The Energy and Minerals Group, TechMet, and the UK Government’s automotive transformation fund.
Wrathall also highlighted the positive impact of the project on a region with a rich mining heritage, dating back 4,000 years for tin and copper and 275 years for china clay, which has faced social challenges.
“Cornish people take pride in their mining history. We haven’t encountered significant opposition to this project; the community is eager to see it happen,” he said.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds commented, “This is excellent news for Cornish Lithium, supporting high-skilled jobs in the South West and providing a significant boost to our critical minerals supply chains for the long term.”
