Cornish Lithium Welcomes 100th Employee as It Expands Operations in Cornwall

Cornish Lithium has reached a major milestone in its growth, welcoming its 100th employee, Joshua Sheldrake, as a Plant Technician. The company, founded by Jeremy Wrathall in 2016, now employs 100 permanent staff, most of whom are based at the company’s demonstration plants in United Downs near Redruth and St Dennis near St Austell, as well as its administrative hub at the Tremough Innovation Centre in Penryn.

Supporting the UK’s Green Revolution

Lithium plays a crucial role in the production of electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage for electricity grids, and rechargeable electronics. The UK currently imports all of its lithium, leaving its industries vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions. Cornish Lithium is working to address this by developing a domestic, environmentally responsible supply of lithium, with the goal of reducing the country’s carbon footprint and supporting the UK’s transition to renewable energy.

Cornish Lithium aims to create a thriving mineral extraction industry in Cornwall, using cutting-edge technologies to harness local resources. This will not only support the UK’s net-zero targets but also provide well-paid jobs for local residents, contributing to both the regional and national economies.

A Growing Team and Future Plans

Jeremy Wrathall, the company’s Founder, Interim Chairman, and CEO, highlighted the wide range of careers available at Cornish Lithium, from exploration geologists to sustainability specialists. He expressed excitement about the company’s progress and welcomed Joshua to the team at a time of significant growth.

While some employees work between Cornwall and London to maintain relationships with government officials, investors, and the domestic supply chain, 84 of Cornish Lithium’s staff are based in Cornwall, working towards commercial production. The company expects its workforce to grow as more exploration projects are developed across the region.

A Significant Resource for the Future

Cornwall’s geology contains an industrial-scale amount of lithium, with enough potential to extract 50,000 tonnes per year for over 20 years. Cornish Lithium’s Trelavour Hard Rock Project is expected to produce 10,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide annually by 2027. In addition, the company aims to produce 15,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent from its Lithium in Geothermal Waters projects, which could meet around 30% of the UK’s lithium needs by 2030.

These projects are critical to reducing the UK’s reliance on carbon-intensive imports and are expected to support the development of a battery industry across the country, from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands.

National Recognition for Cornwall’s Mining Heritage

Cornish Lithium’s Trelavour Hard Rock Project has been recognised as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project by the UK Government. This designation will streamline the planning process, making it easier for the project to move forward. The company is committed to engaging with local communities, stakeholders, and statutory consultees as the project develops, and hopes to bring a modern-day renaissance to Cornwall’s 4,000-year mining heritage.

For more information about career opportunities at Cornish Lithium, visit Cornish Lithium Careers.

Cornish Lithium is dedicated to building a sustainable future for the UK’s lithium supply, while celebrating Cornwall’s rich history and benefiting local communities.