Cornish Lithium has launched the UK’s inaugural low-emission lithium hydroxide Demonstration Plant, marking a key advancement in the nation’s transition to clean energy by 2030. This facility is part of the Trelavour Hard Rock Project in Cornwall, which aims to reduce the UK’s reliance on carbon-heavy imported lithium by extracting this essential mineral sustainably within the country.
Set to begin production in 2027, the project plans to generate 10,000 tons per year (tpy) of battery-grade lithium hydroxide. When combined with Cornish Lithium’s geothermal initiatives, the target production will reach 25,000 tpy of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) by 2030. This output is expected to supply around 25% of the UK industry’s lithium needs, highlighting the country’s significant lithium potential and supporting calls for a domestic extraction goal of 50,000 tpy by 2030.
Designated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project by the UK Government, the Trelavour Hard Rock Project is anticipated to greatly benefit the national economy through domestic lithium extraction and processing. In Cornwall, it is projected to generate at least £800 million in gross value added (GVA) and create over 300 local jobs by 2027 during the project’s lifespan.
The Demonstration Plant utilizes lithium-enriched granite sourced from a revitalized former china clay pit and employs the eco-friendly Lepidico processing technology. Cornish Lithium has exclusive rights to this technology in the St Austell area, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions by at least 40% compared to traditional hard rock lithium mining methods.
The funding for the Demonstration Plant comes from a consortium of institutional investors, including the former UK Infrastructure Bank—now the National Wealth Fund—alongside The Energy & Minerals Group and TechMet. Additionally, part of the hydrometallurgical section was funded through a UK Government grant from the Automotive Transformation Fund’s Scale Up Readiness Validation programme.
“Lithium is vital for producing electric vehicles, large-scale energy storage, and rechargeable electronics. By 2030, the UK will need around 110,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent,” stated Jeremy Wrathall, CEO, Interim Chairman, and Founder of Cornish Lithium. “While the UK currently imports all its lithium, we have the largest lithium resource in Europe, sufficient to meet over half of the electric vehicle industry’s requirements. Harnessing this resource can improve our industries’ competitiveness and strengthen resilience against global supply chain challenges.”
The opening of the Demonstration Plant is a major achievement for Cornish Lithium, validating the extraction of lithium from the mica mineralization present in Cornwall. Situated less than a kilometer from the mining site, this integrated facility will produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide without the need for additional carbon-heavy shipping or refining.
Alongside the Trelavour Hard Rock Project, Cornish Lithium is also exploring the extraction of lithium from geothermal waters deep within Cornwall, which could also provide carbon-free heat energy. The company has secured extensive mineral rights across the region to maximize this potential and develop a new industry focused on lithium and geothermal heat extraction.
Source: Cornish Lithium
