New domestic lithium production “watershed” moment for UK energy storage capability
Cornish Lithium has started production of refined LHM - lithium hydroxide monohydrate - from lithium extracted from granite.
Trelavour Demonstration Plant
In an end-to-end industrial process, the company is repurposing a former china clay quarry and, using innovative low-carbon processing technology, producing refined LHM on a single brownfield industrial site at its Trelavour Plant in Cornwall.
LHM is a key raw material for lithium-ion batteries which form the foundations of nearly all modern-day electronics on which we all rely – from electric vehicles (EVs) to energy storage and drone technology..
Jamie Airnes
Cornish Lithium CEO, Jamie Airnes, said: “This is a watershed moment for the UK’s industrial capabilities and economic resilience. For the first time ever as a country, we have now demonstrated the ability to produce one of the raw materials on which we all increasingly rely. It is testament to the strength of our research, our innovative approach and the dedication of the Cornish Lithium team.
Cornwall is home to the largest lithium deposits in Europe and has enough lithium to power at least 50% of all EVs expected to be produced in the UK by 2030.
The announcement marks a major advance in UK industrial capability that will help secure a domestic supply of a key material for UK industry.