The project aimed at extracting lithium from Cornwall’s geothermal waters has received significant funding support.
Cornwall Council, collaborating with Cornish Lithium, anticipates this endeavour will create substantial employment opportunities.
The lithium extraction project in Cornwall, developed on land owned by the Cornwall Council, has recently secured £1.28 million in funding. The funding, provided by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, is expected to expedite the creation of several small-scale modular plants, as highlighted by local authorities.
The project aims to establish battery-grade lithium production alongside geothermal heat extraction. This initiative is poised to support hundreds of jobs in the region, according to Cornwall Council.
This collaborative endeavour involves Cornwall Council and the private company Cornish Lithium Geothermal. The project’s focus is on lithium, a crucial component in battery technology, and heat extraction from geothermal waters through low-carbon technology.
The proposals include drilling two exploration wells to a depth of approximately 1,000 meters, targeting waters with temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius. Upon reaching the target depth, geothermal brines will be extracted to ascertain lithium concentrations, potential flow rates, and water temperatures.
Should the exploration phase prove successful, Cornish Lithium will initiate a full feasibility study, subsequently seeking additional private sector funding. The company envisions establishing multiple plants, each employing around 30 staff, producing battery-grade lithium and providing geothermal heat to various establishments.
Cornish Lithium has already drilled four wells in the Redruth area, with the fifth well nearing completion.
The brines extracted from these wells are being utilised to trial environmentally responsible lithium extraction technologies at a pilot plant located at United Downs.
Additionally, the company is collaborating with residential and commercial developers to harness geothermal heat across diverse settings.
Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for the economy, stated, “Lithium is a vital component of battery technology and crucial to the net zero transition, and Cornwall has the largest lithium resource in Europe. That’s why the Good Growth Programme is already investing millions of pounds in developing the strategic critical minerals sector.”
Cornish Lithium CEO, Jeremy Wrathall, remarked, “This Good Growth investment combined with our collaboration with the council means we can significantly accelerate and expand our exploration drilling programme.”
One of the potential sites for providing geothermal heat is Langarth Garden Village. This development, located on the outskirts of Truro, plans to introduce 3,800 new homes, two schools, and various sports and leisure facilities over the next 20 to 25 years.
Dulcie Tudor, Cornwall Council member for Threemilestone and Chacewater, commented, “There is huge potential for the combined extraction of lithium and heat from deep underground in Cornwall. I welcome the partnership between Cornwall Council and Cornish Lithium to explore how this twin resource can reduce emissions, provide a sustainable source of lithium for the energy transition, and create jobs and investment in our communities.”
The funding secured marks a significant milestone for the lithium extraction project in Cornwall.
As the venture progresses, it is expected to not only boost local employment but also contribute to a sustainable and green energy future.
