Cornish Lithium Launches Hard-Rock Demonstration Plant at Trelavour Pit
Cornish Lithium officially launched its hard-rock lithium demonstration plant at Trelavour Pit near Treviscoe on Friday, October 18. The ceremonial opening, led by Lord Falmouth, was attended by dignitaries and members of the local business community, marking a significant milestone in Cornwall's bid to become a key player in lithium production.
The demonstration plant, under development since 2019, is a scaled-down version of an industrial lithium production facility. It aims to showcase the quality of Cornish lithium to potential customers, and with the commencement of sample manufacturing, the plant is now ready to expand operations. If demand meets expectations, the facility could produce up to 10,000 tonnes of lithium per year by 2027, creating 300 jobs and generating an estimated $975 million for Cornwall over the next two decades.
Lithium is crucial for rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles and other technologies, and the UK currently imports its entire supply—primarily from China, the world’s largest lithium consumer and battery producer. While Australia is the top lithium producer and Chile holds the largest reserves, Cornwall is emerging as a key lithium deposit location in western Europe. Producing lithium locally could help reduce the carbon footprint and lessen reliance on global supply chains, which are often susceptible to geopolitical disruptions. Recognizing the importance of local lithium extraction, the UK government recently designated Cornish Lithium's Trelavour project as a development of national significance.
Jeremy Wrathall, CEO of Cornish Lithium, expressed pride in reaching this milestone: "It feels incredible to be taking the next step in a journey that began in 2016. We've invested $18 million to get to the point of producing commercial samples of lithium hydroxide for the automotive battery industry. This demonstration plant really is like a large chemistry set—it can be tested, tweaked, and refined."
Cornwall, with a mining history stretching back thousands of years, is now adapting to the modern age with lithium extraction. Wrathall noted that Cornish Lithium stands "on the shoulders of giants" like Richard Trevithick, the famed engineer behind steam-powered transport. While Cornwall is known for its tin and china clay production, it is now embracing lithium as the next chapter in its mineral heritage. The UK government recognizes Cornwall’s potential role in contributing to the country’s green energy transition.
From the viewing platform at Trelavour Pit, the landscape retains the iconic white clay banks and spoil tips typical of china clay sites. The quarry has been repurposed into a lithium production facility, extracting the mineral from hard rock deposits. Process manager Dai Moseley described the transformation of Trelavour as a "two-and-a-half-year engineering journey from an empty building to cutting-edge modern technology." Moseley, who has decades of experience at the site, emphasized that the facility will help meet the growing global demand for high-quality lithium for electric vehicles.
The economic impact of the project on the local community is already apparent. Local businesses, including cafes and service providers, have reported increased activity due to operations at Trelavour Pit. Community engagement initiatives, such as the opening of a visitor center and outreach to local schools, aim to inspire the next generation of engineers and technicians.
Chloe Bayliss, stakeholder engagement coordinator, highlighted the importance of community involvement and ensuring the project leaves a positive legacy. Community initiatives include establishing footpaths, hosting events, and supporting village amenities. "It's crucial for us as a company to create a positive legacy," Bayliss said. Wrathall echoed this, emphasizing the opportunities the project brings to communities like Treviscoe: "There is no positive transition without change. This is a major opportunity for Cornwall, and it's very exciting."
