Cornwall’s Leap into the Future: The Trelavour Project Spearheads Lithium Mining Innovation

In a significant development for the UK’s green economy and technological advancement, Cornish Lithium, a frontrunner in mineral exploration and development, recently hosted Nusrat Ghani, the UK Government’s Minister for Industry and Economic Security, at its Trelavour Project site near St Austell, Cornwall.

This visit underscores the critical role of domestic mineral extraction in bolstering the UK’s Net Zero ambitions and enhancing the resilience of its supply chains.

Government Endorsement of a Sustainable Venture

The Trelavour Project, situated in the heart of Cornwall, is set to become a cornerstone of the region’s burgeoning environmentally-responsible mining sector. Nusrat’s tour, led by Jeremy Wrathall, the Founder, Interim Chairman and CEO of Cornish Lithium, along with key executives Varshan Gokool and Patrick Forward, spotlighted the innovative methods and ambitious plans the company has for lithium extraction from both hard rock and geothermal waters.

This high-profile visit follows the project’s receipt of significant investment from the UK Infrastructure Bank, a testament to Cornish Lithium’s pivotal role in the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy and its alignment with Cornwall Council’s own industrial vision.

Dual-Source Lithium Extraction: A First in the UK

At the heart of Cornish Lithium’s strategy is the dual-source extraction of lithium, essential for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage. The Trelavour Project uniquely repurposes an existing china clay pit, leveraging the site’s current infrastructure to minimise environmental impact. Meanwhile, the company’s exploration of lithium in geothermal waters across Cornwall represents an innovative approach to tapping into the region’s rich geological resources.

The construction of a Demonstration Plant at Trelavour is underway, promising the production of battery-grade lithium compounds and positioning Cornwall as a key player in the global lithium market.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

With the UK’s demand for lithium carbonate equivalent projected to reach approximately 80,000 tonnes by 2030, Cornish Lithium’s anticipated annual production of up to 10,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide from Trelavour, supplemented by additional output from geothermal sources, marks a significant contribution to meeting this need.

The project is not just about lithium; it’s a catalyst for economic revitalisation in Cornwall, expected to generate a Gross Value Added (GVA) of £800 million for the local economy and create 300 new jobs at the site by 2027. This initiative promises not only to revive Cornwall’s 4,000-year mining heritage but also to usher in a new era of sustainable industry.

A Sustainable Future Rooted in History

Jeremy expressed gratitude for the government’s support, which has been crucial in advancing Cornish Lithium’s project portfolio. The Trelavour Project not only signifies a major leap towards a greener future but also reinforces the UK’s commitment to sustainable and domestically-sourced raw materials for its burgeoning electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.

As Cornish Lithium continues to innovate and expand, its efforts at Trelavour are set to galvanise the next chapter in Cornwall’s storied mining history, proving that environmental responsibility and economic prosperity can go hand in hand in the quest for a sustainable future.