Cornish Lithium Launches U.K’s First Low-Emission Lithium Hydroxide Plant

Cornish Lithium has officially launched the UK’s first low-emission lithium hydroxide demonstration plant at its Trelavour hard rock project in Cornwall. This plant marks a significant step towards establishing a domestic lithium supply chain in the country. The facility aims to produce 10,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually by 2027. Currently, UK solely relies on imported lithium and this plant will be a step towards reducing that dependency.

Cornish Lithium has secured a robust funding package totalling $6.2 million, supported by UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB) and other investors. A pioneering force in the UK's lithium industry, Cornish Lithium has significantly advanced its operations. The company has successfully completed multiple exploration boreholes that confirms a substantial potential of its lithium resources.

The Trelavour project not only represents a significant technological achievement but also taps into Cornwall's rich mining heritage. With over 3,000 historic tin and copper mines, the region is well-positioned to support modern lithium extraction.

This new plant is located at a repurposed China-clay pit and utilizes innovative low-carbon processing technology to extract lithium from lithium-enriched granite. Cornish Lithium estimates the project will generate approximately £800 million ($1 billion) in gross value. It will give a big boost to the local economy and create over 300 jobs, bolstering the community’s economic landscape.

The company's broader vision is to leverage geothermal lithium projects and target a total production of 25,000 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) by 2030. This ambitious plan could potentially supply around 25% of the lithium needed in the UK. This will be an active response to the burgeoning demand of the electric vehicle (EV) industry.

In the past year, the UK has seen a significant increase in investment in battery electric vehicle (BEV) manufacturing. Major companies like Tata and Nissan announced their investments in the country’s new gigafactories. As the UK ramps up its production capacity to an expected 110 GWh by 2030, local lithium sources become increasingly vital.

About Cornish Lithium –

Cornish Lithium is an English company that utilizes low carbon processing technologies to extract lithium to support UK’s green energy transition. Its flagship Trelavour Hard Rock Project aims to produce 10,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide per year by 2027. The company is also exploring geothermal lithium extraction to enhance sustainability. Committed to responsible mining and community engagement, Cornish Lithium focuses on creating local job opportunities and aligning operations with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.