Work begins on one of UK's first geothermal-based lithium projects
Cornish Lithium appoints local contractor for Cross Lanes venture
Cornish Lithium has begun enabling works on its state-of-the-art lithium project at Cross Lanes, near Truro.
The company aims to establish one of the UK's first commercial geothermal-based lithium production facilities, tapping into the lithium-rich brines beneath the surface.
Cornish contractor WH Bond & Sons has been appointed to carry out the enabling works, which include building access roads, constructing a concrete pad for the drill rig, and creating a lagoon for short-term water storage.
This phase is expected to be completed by late spring, pending weather conditions.
In addition to infrastructure development, the existing geothermal exploration well, drilled in 2023, will undergo cleaning and testing.
The first phase, starting in early summer, will involve drilling two production-scale wells to approximately 2,000 metres.
Once drilled, the site will enter a three-month testing period in autumn and winter, during which the Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology will be deployed.
Lithium-enriched brines will be processed using this technology, with the brines reinjected underground once lithium is extracted.
The data from this testing will help Cornish Lithium evaluate the commercial prospects and potential geothermal energy benefits of the site.
Martin Geissler of Cornish Lithium expressed satisfaction in working with WH Bond & Sons, saying: “We are delighted to welcome WH Bond & Sons, who have been appointed at our Cross Lanes site through a competitive tendering process. They are the first of many local, national and international companies we look forward to working with as we continue to develop the project and help to reinvigorate Cornwall’s proud mining industry, create high-quality careers and deliver long-term economic growth for the region."
Geissler also highlighted the project's importance in supporting the government’s Critical Minerals Strategy, stating: “This project marks an important step in delivering our contribution to the Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy, which aims to produce 50,000 tonnes of lithium by 2035. Across our Lithium in Geothermal Waters portfolio, we are targeting 10,000 tonnes per year, so advancing the Cross Lanes project is a significant milestone towards that ambition. We will continue to keep in close contact with our neighbours as the project moves forward, sharing regular updates through our Community Liaison Group and resident communications.”
Shaun Philp from WH Bond & Sons emphasized the company's commitment to local community support and sustainability as integral to their operations, adding: “We are proud to be working with Cornish Lithium on a project in Cornwall that will have a major national impact and, once we have completed our enabling works, we will watch with interest as this exciting scheme develops. As a Cornwall-based business, sustainability, community support and creating opportunities for local people remain central to how we operate. We are pleased to be supporting a development that will benefit Cornish communities and will continue to work with local suppliers wherever possible. We look forward to developing and nurturing a positive working relationship with Cornish Lithium as the project progresses.”
The project received planning consent from Cornwall Council, registered under PA25/05631.