Cornish Lithium’s Big Move: Could This Put Cornwall at the Centre of UK Battery Production?

New technology acquired for lithium processing at Trelavour Downs

Cornish Lithium has acquired exclusive rights to a suite of advanced lithium processing technology, strengthening its ability to produce battery-grade lithium from start to finish at its Trelavour Downs site in Cornwall.

The company has purchased technology developed by Australian firm Lepidico, following pilot testing under licence since 2021. The deal means Cornish Lithium now owns the intellectual property and associated patents and plans to licence the technology globally under its own brand.

From pit to product on one Cornish site

This acquisition enables Cornish Lithium to mine, process and refine lithium hydroxide entirely within its Trelavour Downs site. The “pit to battery-grade product” model is designed to reduce risks across the extraction and refining stages, accelerating the company’s transition from research and development to full-scale production in the UK.

The process has already been incorporated into Cornish Lithium’s new demonstration plant, which recently came online in Cornwall. Operating at atmospheric pressure and moderate temperatures, the plant is expected to significantly cut carbon emissions and improve sustainability in the lithium industry.

📷 Cornish Lithium Demonstration Plant - Image Credit Cornish Lithium

A key step in securing UK lithium supply

The move aligns with the UK Government’s designation of the Trelavour Hard Rock Project as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). With domestic sources projected to supply over 50,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent annually by 2030, this acquisition is seen as an important milestone.

Jeremy Wrathall, Founder and Executive Chairman of Cornish Lithium, said:
“The acquisition of this technology enables us to further enhance our processing of lithium in Cornwall but also offers us the opportunity to licence this technology to other lithium deposits around the world.
“We are excited to contribute to the UK’s ambition to become a leader in the supply of critical minerals essential for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage industries. Importantly, this allows us to bring this crucial technology to Cornwall, creating a foundation for innovation, long-term growth and job creation within the region.”

Jamie Airnes, the new CEO of Cornish Lithium, added:
“This acquisition represents a pivotal moment for Cornish Lithium as we move towards full-cycle lithium production in Cornwall. By integrating this cutting-edge technology into our operations, we not only enhance our production capabilities but also reaffirm our commitment to sustainable and efficient lithium extraction. We believe that this is a huge step forward for the whole country, allowing us to secure the UK’s future lithium supply.”

What’s next for Cornwall?

With this technology now secured and integrated, Cornish Lithium is positioning itself as a leader in domestic lithium production. The company’s plans to licence the process globally could also put Cornwall on the map as a key innovation hub for the critical minerals sector.

📷Cornish Lithium Demonstration Plant - Image Credit Cornish Lithium