UK’s 1st commercial geothermal Lithium production facility approved in Cornwall
Project design renderings, screenshot (source: Cornish Lithium)
Alexander Richter
13 Mar 2025
Cornish Lithium secures planning permission for the UK’s first commercial geothermal lithium facility, advancing domestic lithium production.
Reported locally, Cornish Lithium announced having received planning permission to develop the UK’s first commercial geothermal lithium production facility at its Cross Lanes Lithium Project, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to establish a domestic lithium supply.
The project, located near Chacewater, will utilize direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology to recover lithium from geothermal waters while returning the water underground—a method designed to minimize environmental impact. We previously reported on the company’s geothermal Lithium work.
A two-phase approach to Lithium pProduction
The project will roll out in two key phases:
- Phase One – Drilling and testing two 2,000-meter-deep geothermal wells to extract lithium-enriched brine and assess potential for geothermal heating for local homes and businesses.
- Phase Two – Operating a demonstration plant to validate lithium production, with the aim of supplying battery and electric vehicle manufacturers. If successful, a commercial facility will follow.
Strengthening the UK’s Lithium supply chain
With the UK currently fully reliant on imported lithium, this project is a milestone in developing a sustainable domestic supply. Geothermal lithium extraction presents a low-carbon alternative to traditional mining, aligning with the country’s clean energy transition goals.
Jeremy Wrathall, Founder and CEO of Cornish Lithium, emphasized the importance of the project, stating: “This marks another stage in the UK’s journey from relying solely on imported lithium to maximizing the potential beneath our feet in Cornwall.”
Geothermal’s growing role in critical minerals production
Geothermal lithium projects, such as Cornish Lithium’s initiative, highlight the broader potential of geothermal energy beyond power generation.
With planning permission secured, construction at Cross Lanes is expected to begin this spring, further positioning Cornwall as a leader in sustainable lithium production.
Source: Company release
