Cornish Lithium Plc

Cornish Lithium Plc, based in Cornwall, UK, specializes in sustainable lithium extraction from geothermal waters and hard rock. Utilizing advanced Direct Lithium Extraction technology, the company supports the clean energy transition by supplying critical battery metals for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

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Cornish Lithium Plc is a pioneering mineral exploration and development company based in Cornwall, United Kingdom. Established in 2016, the company is dedicated to sustainably extracting lithium and other critical battery metals essential for the global transition to clean energy. With a focus on environmentally responsible practices, Cornish Lithium is working to establish a domestic supply of lithium, a resource currently entirely imported into the UK. The company operates in Cornwall’s historically rich mining district, leveraging modern technology to explore and develop both geothermal and hard rock lithium resources.

Cornish Lithium’s mission aligns with the UK’s industrial strategy to achieve Net Zero by 2050, particularly by supporting the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage. The company’s innovative approach includes the use of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology for geothermal brines and the development of low-emission lithium hydroxide production facilities. By securing mineral rights over 500 km² in Cornwall, Cornish Lithium is positioning itself as a key player in the UK’s energy transition and industrial sustainability.

Battery Technology

Cornish Lithium is not directly involved in battery manufacturing but plays a critical role in the battery value chain by supplying the raw materials needed for lithium-ion batteries. The company focuses on extracting lithium from two primary sources: geothermal waters and hard rock.

For geothermal lithium extraction, Cornish Lithium utilizes advanced DLE technologies to recover lithium from naturally occurring brines. These brines, found deep underground, are rich in lithium and can be processed with minimal environmental impact. The company’s geothermal projects, such as the Cross Lanes site, aim to produce battery-grade lithium compounds sustainably.

In hard rock lithium extraction, Cornish Lithium is developing the Trelavour Hard Rock Project, which involves extracting lithium from mica minerals in granite. The company has established the UK’s first low-emission lithium hydroxide Demonstration Plant at this site, showcasing its commitment to reducing carbon emissions in lithium production. This facility produces battery-grade lithium hydroxide, a key component in high-performance EV batteries.

By focusing on sustainable extraction methods, Cornish Lithium ensures that its operations support the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries while minimizing environmental impact.

Recent Projects

In recent years, Cornish Lithium has made significant progress in its projects. In October 2024, the company launched the UK’s first low-emission lithium hydroxide Demonstration Plant at its Trelavour Hard Rock Project site. This facility is designed to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide samples, marking a major step toward establishing a domestic lithium supply chain.

The company also submitted a planning application for a new lithium extraction facility at its Cross Lanes geothermal site. This project involves drilling two deep boreholes to extract and reinject geothermal brines, utilizing DLE technology to recover lithium.

Additionally, Cornish Lithium formed a strategic partnership with HELM AG to develop the European lithium supply chain, focusing on producing battery-grade lithium compounds from geothermal brines. These initiatives highlight the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable lithium production in the UK.

Investors

Cornish Lithium has attracted significant investment from key players in the industry. Notable investors include TechMet, a critical minerals investment company, which has contributed a total of US$30 million. The UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB) has also invested approximately £24 million, marking its first direct equity investment in a critical minerals company.

Other investors include The Energy & Minerals Group (EMG), a US-based private equity fund, which has also contributed around £24 million. Additionally, Cornish Lithium has successfully raised funds through crowdfunding campaigns, securing over £10 million from individual investors. These investments have been instrumental in advancing the company’s projects and establishing a domestic lithium supply chain.