Cornish Lithium Hits Key Milestones on Path to Production

Cornish Lithium gears up for commercial production

Cornish Lithium says it’s making strong progress towards commercial lithium production in Cornwall, having hit several major milestones during the first half of 2025.

The company, which is developing clean lithium extraction across the county, confirmed progress across its geothermal and hard rock projects, a key leadership reshuffle, and a renewed focus on strengthening the UK’s domestic lithium supply chain.

New leadership at the top

In a major move, Jamie Airnes has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer to strengthen the company’s senior management team. Jamie brings more than 25 years of experience in the energy and extractives sector, including work with both start-ups and large corporations.

Founder Jeremy Wrathall has moved into the role of Executive Chairman, where he will oversee the company’s strategy.

Jeremy said:
“Cornish Lithium has made progress at pace to achieve significant milestones across its portfolio of projects during the first six months of 2025.

“A key highlight is the appointment of energy sector leader, Jamie Airnes, as our new Chief Executive Officer. This marks an important step in strengthening the capabilities of our senior leadership team as we transition from research and development to full-scale operations.

“We look forward to reviewing the Government’s industrial strategy, particularly given the strong support we’ve received to date. Our focus remains on securing the domestic lithium supply chain while unlocking jobs and driving growth in Cornwall.”

Green light for geothermal lithium

Planning permission was granted in March 2025 for the UK’s first commercial geothermal lithium production facility, at Cornish Lithium’s Cross Lanes site near Chacewater.

This followed successful drilling and testing of an exploration borehole in 2023. The first phase will see the company drill and test two 2,000-metre-deep production-scale geothermal wells. One will be used to extract lithium-enriched water, while the other will re-inject the water once lithium is removed.

The team is also assessing whether the same waters can be used to generate renewable heat for local homes and businesses.

A temporary demonstration plant will then be constructed to validate the lithium extraction process using Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology. If all goes to plan, a full-scale commercial processing plant will follow.

The company says it expects to complete the necessary planning pre-conditions by the end of the year.

Progress at the Trelavour Lithium Project

The Trelavour site, based near St Austell in the china clay area, was declared of national significance by the UK Government due to its potential to drive economic growth and secure critical minerals.

A low-emission demonstration plant was launched at the site in October 2024. Since then, the focus has been on commissioning the facility to test and refine the extraction process and produce sample lithium compounds for potential customers.

In May 2025, Minister of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Sarah Jones MP, visited the Trelavour project. During the visit, she highlighted the importance of collaboration between government and industry to develop a secure domestic supply of minerals such as lithium and tin, used in batteries for smartphones, laptops and electric vehicles.

New technology secured

Cornish Lithium has acquired the intellectual property for its lithium extraction process from Australian firm Lepidico. The company had been evaluating the technology since 2021 and now owns the rights to the IP and patents.

This technology enables the extraction and refinement of battery-grade lithium hydroxide at Trelavour. It could also be licensed to other mining companies globally.

Cornish Lithium says it plans to explore the technology’s effectiveness on alternative ore sources as part of its wider commercial strategy.

Ongoing exploration and community work

Further geothermal exploration boreholes have also been drilled at Tolgus near Redruth and Besore Farm near Threemilestone.

Community engagement remains a major part of the company’s work. Cornish Lithium sponsors local events, hosts careers fairs and school visits, supports local environmental projects, and runs a Community Fund in partnership with the Cornwall Community Foundation.

In 2024, the company awarded £34,700 to 25 organisations in areas including Gwennap, Chacewater, St Day, Carharrack, St Agnes Blackwater, the China Clay Area and the Redruth Tolgus area. The next round of funding is expected to be announced in late summer.