Cornish Lithium’s Groundbreaking Year: New Facilities, Jobs, and a Vision for the Future

Published On: 6 January 2025Last Updated: 6 January 2025By CornishStuff

Cornish Lithium, the mineral exploration and development company, has reflected on a highly successful 2024, achieving major milestones in its mission to produce lithium domestically and strengthen the UK’s energy supply chain.

Trelavour Demonstration Plant Opens

Photo: Cornish Lithium’s Trelavour Demonstration Plant – Photo Credit: Ian Kingsnorth.

In October, Cornish Lithium launched the UK’s first low-emission lithium hydroxide Demonstration Plant at St Dennis, near St Austell. The £9 million facility is designed to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide samples from granite extracted from a former china clay pit. The Trelavour Hard Rock Project is expected to deliver 10,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide annually once in full production, bolstering the UK’s critical minerals supply chain and reducing dependency on imports.

The project is set to create approximately 300 jobs and contribute up to £800 million to the Cornish economy over its 20-year lifespan. In a significant boost, the UK Government designated the Trelavour Hard Rock Project as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project in September. Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, said: “This is great news for Cornish Lithium and will not only support high-skilled jobs in the South West but give a major boost to our critical minerals supply chains for the long term.”

The company’s Feasibility Study for the Trelavour Hard Rock Project, led by Ausenco Engineering Canada, remains on track for completion in mid-2025. A new visitor centre has opened at the site, along with a community liaison group to strengthen local engagement.

Progress in Geothermal Lithium Extraction

Cornish Lithium submitted a planning application to Cornwall Council for a new lithium extraction facility at its Cross Lanes site near Chacewater. The application follows two years of positive test results confirming the presence of lithium-enriched geothermal waters. The proposed development will include two 2,000-metre-deep boreholes and a geothermal lithium extraction plant.

One borehole will be used to extract lithium-rich water, while the other will reinject depleted water. Cornish Lithium is also evaluating Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies to ensure environmentally responsible operations. In the future, the company aims to harness the geothermal heat from these waters to provide heating for local homes and businesses.

Other exploration activities include drilling at Tolgus near Redruth and Besore Farm near Truro. The company plans to select its preferred DLE provider for the Cross Lanes project early in the new year.

Corporate Milestones and Strategic Partnerships

In October, Cornish Lithium published its Policy Manifesto, calling for urgent action to secure domestic lithium supplies. The report outlines three key policy recommendations:

Establish a UK extraction target of 50,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent annually by 2030.
Ensure regulatory frameworks support domestic production targets.
Implement a traceability standard for UK-produced lithium to enhance transparency and trade.

Cornish Lithium also formed a partnership with Leverton HELM Limited, a subsidiary of HELM AG, to advance the production of battery-grade lithium compounds from geothermal brines. This collaboration aims to strengthen the European lithium supply chain.

The company’s Board welcomed new Non-Executive Director Gary Steven, representing the National Wealth Fund, a key investor alongside TechMet and The Energy & Minerals Group. Keith Liddell also rejoined the Board, bringing extensive expertise in mineral extraction. Founder and CEO Jeremy Wrathall has taken on the role of Interim Chairman as the search for a new Non-Executive Chair continues.

Community Engagement and Support

Throughout 2024, Cornish Lithium emphasised community engagement, hosting events such as presentations, coffee mornings, and career fairs. The company awarded £17,310 to 11 organisations through its Summer Community Fund, supporting local clubs and charities in areas such as Gwennap, Chacewater, and St Day. The recipients of the 2024 Autumn Community Fund grants will be announced in January.

Jeremy Wrathall praised the team’s efforts, stating: “Cornish Lithium made exceptional progress during 2024 and achieved significant milestones across the business. As we start the new year, I believe we are in our strongest position yet, thanks to the passion and dedication of our hardworking colleagues who share my vision for lithium extraction in Cornwall.”