New CEO Takes the Helm as Cornish Lithium Prepares for Major Expansion

Cornish firm gears up to scale domestic lithium production and recruit hundreds

Cornish Lithium has announced a major change at the top as it prepares to move from research and development into full-scale lithium production across Cornwall.

The company has appointed energy sector leader Jamie Airnes as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), bringing in more than 25 years of experience to help drive the company’s next stage of growth. Founder Jeremy Wrathall will step into a new role as Executive Chairman, where he will continue to oversee company strategy and future development.

📷Cornish Lithium's Jamie Airnes, CEO and Jeremy Wrathall, Executive Chairman

Scaling Up for Commercial Production

This leadership change comes as Cornish Lithium gears up to accelerate its operations and raise further funding, with the goal of turning the Trelavour Hard Rock Project into a fully commercial lithium production site. The project, recently designated a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), is expected to require the recruitment of hundreds of staff to reach operational status.

Jamie said:

“I am excited to join Cornish Lithium at such an important moment in the company’s journey. My focus will be on driving the growth of our operations and enhancing our strategy to develop the lithium from our extraction portfolio across Cornwall in a responsible manner. I look forward to working closely with regulators, local communities and all our stakeholders to ensure continued, sustainable development.”

Backed by Major Investors

The appointment has been welcomed by the company’s board and its investors, which include The National Wealth Fund, TechMet, and the Energy & Minerals Group (EMG).

Independent Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Nomination Committee Janet Blas said:

“The Board is pleased to welcome Jamie Airnes to Cornish Lithium. Jamie brings an undisputed ability to manage large projects with complex regulatory and stakeholder environments, and deliver at speed. His leadership will be integral to Cornish Lithium’s growth plans, delivering for stakeholders, locally and nationally.”

📷Cornish Lithium's new appointments, Martin Geissler (General Manager, Lithium in Geothermal Waters), Peter Morse (General Manage

Strengthening the Leadership Team

Cornish Lithium has also appointed Peter Morse as General Manager for the Trelavour project. Peter brings more than 30 years of global experience in mining, mineral extraction and engineering.

In a further move to boost its geothermal division, Martin Geissler has joined as General Manager for the Lithium in Geothermal Waters (LiGW) arm of the business. Martin has previously led geothermal projects across Europe and will help support the company’s ambition to deliver carbon-free heat and lithium from geothermal brines in Cornwall.

Jeremy, now Executive Chairman, commented:

“I am delighted to welcome Jamie Airnes to the team, helping us to deliver on our vision for maximum growth and augmenting our strategic focus on unlocking the potential for lithium extraction from geothermal brines beneath our feet here in Cornwall. Jamie will further strengthen our existing executive team of myself, Chief Financial Officer Varshan Gokool and Chief Operating Officer Patrick Forward, enabling us to grow and accelerate the development of a domestic supply of lithium and other critical metals for the UK.”

“This appointment is a pivotal moment for the business given the growing importance of domestic critical mineral supplies across the globe. I am proud to have overseen Cornish Lithium’s growth from a start-up in 2016 to a nationally-recognised leader in critical mineral extraction. I believe that the UK can extract and deliver 50,000 tonnes of domestic lithium for UK industry, and Cornish Lithium will continue to be the industry leader in helping achieve this goal. There is so much still to do.”

What’s Next for Cornish Lithium?

With Jamie now leading operations and Jeremy focused on strategic development, Cornish Lithium is positioning itself to be at the forefront of the UK’s efforts to secure a domestic supply of critical minerals. These latest appointments mark a turning point for the company as it transitions into a fully-fledged, end-to-end lithium production business – all based in Cornwall.

📷Cornish Lithium's Executive Team, Varshan Gokool (CFO), Jeremy Wrathall (Executive Chairman), Jamie Airnes (CEO) and Patrick For