Lithium in Cornwall: Paving the Way for the UK’s Electric Vehicle Boom

In a significant move towards bolstering the UK’s critical mineral supply and enhancing its economic security, Nusrat Ghani, the Minister for Industry and Economic Security, recently toured Imerys British Lithium’s (IBL) pilot plant situated near Roche in Cornwall.

The visit underscored the government’s commitment to revitalising the UK’s mining sector and its support for sustainable energy resources. Accompanied by Steve Double, the MP for St Austell and Newquay, and Matt Hatfield, Head of Critical Minerals and Mining at the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the visit shines a spotlight on Cornwall’s evolving role in the global mining industry.

A Historic Mining Hub Reimagined

Cornwall’s rich mining heritage, dating back to the Bronze Age and flourishing as the world-centre for the industry in the 18th century, is set for a modern revival. Nusrat expressed enthusiasm over the region’s ongoing transformation into a leading mining and mineral hub, emphasising the project’s potential to stimulate job creation, economic growth, and national resilience against future critical mineral demands. “By 2040, the world will need four times more critical minerals like lithium,” Nusrat highlighted, underlining the importance of securing these resources for the UK’s future prosperity.

Steve Double voiced similar support for the lithium extraction project’s capacity to generate new, high-quality jobs and drive local economic expansion. He affirmed his commitment to working alongside IBL and the government to bring this visionary project to fruition.

The Project at a Glance

IBL’s ambitious endeavour aims to produce over 20,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate annually by the decade’s end, sufficient to power half a million car batteries each year for approximately 30 years. This venture promises to create at least 300 direct jobs in Cornwall, a region celebrated for its mining legacy. Mark Hewson and Alan Parte, leading figures at Imerys and IBL, expressed gratitude for the government’s support and outlined plans for advancing to the planning phase in 2025. Their objective is to establish the world’s first integrated lithium quarry and production plant on land previously utilised for clay extraction, marking a significant leap towards the UK’s energy transition and the development of an integrated electric vehicle (EV) value chain.

Engaging the Community

IBL is proactively engaging with the local community to gather feedback and shape their planning application. A series of public consultation events are scheduled across various locations, offering residents an opportunity to learn more about the project and contribute their insights:

• Bugle Village Hall on 25 March
• Penwithick Community Centre on 18 June
• Treverbyn Community Hall on 31 July
• Trewoon Village Hall on 21 August
• St Dennis on 11 September
• St Stephen on 23 October
• Fraddon on 4 December

This consultative approach highlights IBL’s commitment to transparency and community involvement in shaping a project poised to have a lasting impact on Cornwall and the broader UK economy. For more details on the project and upcoming events, interested parties are encouraged to visit www.imerysbritishlithium.com or contact the team directly via email at bl.info@imerys.com.