In a remarkable blend of past and present, Cornish Lithium is tapping into Cornwall’s rich mining heritage to spearhead a lithium extraction initiative poised to rejuvenate the local economy with an £800 million boost. Utilizing centuries-old mining drawings and records, the company has meticulously mapped over 700 sites across Cornwall, pinpointing areas ripe for lithium production, a critical component for today’s battery technology.
These historic documents, some dating back over 150 years, have been transformed into 3D models, aiding Cornish Lithium in identifying substantial lithium deposits beneath the Duchy’s landscape. This innovative approach not only celebrates Cornwall’s storied mining past but also marks a significant stride towards securing a domestic lithium supply amid a global shortage.
Cornish Lithium’s ambitious projects, including the Trelavour Hard Rock Project near St Dennis and the Lithium in Geothermal Waters (LiGW) ventures, are set to contribute significantly to the UK’s lithium demand, projected at 80,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) by 2030 for electric vehicle batteries. By localizing lithium production, Cornish Lithium aims to reduce the UK’s reliance on imports, thereby decreasing the carbon footprint associated with lithium procurement for domestic battery manufacturing.
Mike Round, head of Geothermal Lithium at Cornish Lithium, highlighted the pivotal role of domestic lithium supply in bolstering the UK battery industry and supporting the transition to electric vehicles. He also underscored the potential resurgence of Cornwall’s mining heritage, dating back 4,000 years, through this venture.
Beyond its economic and environmental implications, Cornish Lithium’s efforts have already resulted in the creation of over 75 skilled jobs in Cornwall, with the promise of more employment opportunities as the project advances. The company is committed to responsible lithium extraction, employing Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology for geothermal waters and a low-carbon process for hard rock lithium at Trelavour Downs.
As Cornish Lithium forges ahead with its plans, it continues to engage with the local community, hosting presentations and drop-in sessions to foster dialogue and share progress. With planning permissions anticipated by mid-2025 and commercial lithium supply expected by 2027, Cornwall stands on the cusp of a new era in mining, powered by the ghosts of its storied past. 
