Minerals Security Partnership Designates Cornish Lithium’s Trelavour Lithium Project as an MSP Project

Cornish Lithium’s Trelavour Lithium Project, near St Austell, has been officially recognised by the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) as an MSP Project — making it the first UK mining project to achieve this designation.

A Global Step Forward for Cornish Lithium

The recognition follows a submission by the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), working in partnership with Cornish Lithium. The announcement was made during the Prime Minister’s trade delegation to Mumbai, marking a major milestone in the company’s growth and the UK’s critical mineral strategy.

The MSP is a multi-national partnership comprising 14 countries and the EU, all focused on strengthening supply chain resilience and promoting responsible growth in the global critical minerals sector. The designation allows Cornish Lithium to collaborate directly with these nations, including India, to develop secure and sustainable supply chains for essential minerals used in strategic technologies.

📷 Cornish Lithium Demonstration Plant - Image Credit Cornish Lithium

Strengthening Cornwall’s Role in Critical Minerals

Trelavour’s MSP designation builds on its status as a project of national significance, as decided by the UK Government in 2024. The recognition not only highlights the project’s sustainability credentials but also its role in supporting Cornwall’s growing reputation as a hub for responsible mineral extraction.

As part of the designation, Cornish Lithium will be able to engage with trade and finance bodies from MSP member countries, opening new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and innovation in the global lithium market.

CEO Jamie Airnes Welcomes Recognition

Commenting on the announcement, Jamie Airnes, CEO of Cornish Lithium, said:

“We are honoured that the Minerals Security Partnership has recognised our Trelavour Lithium Project as an MSP Project – the first in the UK to receive this designation. It reflects the critical role Cornwall can play in building secure, responsible supply chains for the lithium the UK and its partners urgently need.

This designation is a testament to the hard work of our team and the support of the local community in Cornwall. It will open the door to new international partnerships, trade opportunities, and financing pathways as we work to deliver a secure domestic lithium supply while creating jobs and supporting economic growth in Cornwall and the wider South West.

The development of the Trelavour Lithium Project is a critical step in securing future lithium supply, jobs, industries, and economic growth for Cornwall and the UK and we are proud that Cornish Lithium is at the forefront of this transition.”

Continued Growth for Cornish Lithium

This latest recognition comes soon after the company announced it had secured £35 million in equity funding to advance its projects to the next stage of development.

The MSP designation positions Cornish Lithium at the forefront of international collaboration in the critical minerals sector, strengthening both the company’s and Cornwall’s role in supporting the UK’s green industrial future.

📷Trelavour Lithium Project. - Credit Cornish Lithium and Ian Kingsnorth