economy
February 3, 2026
The lithium boom: could a disused quarry bring riches to Cornwall?
Known as ‘white gold’, lithium is among the most important mined elements on the planet – ideal for the rechargeable batteries used in tech products. Can Europe’s largest deposit bring prosperity to the local community?
TL;DR
- Cornwall has significant lithium deposits, described as potentially the largest in Europe.
- Cornish Lithium is developing two primary methods for lithium extraction: hard rock extraction from granite and geothermal extraction from hot brine.
- The hard rock extraction will take place at the former Trelavour china clay pit near St Austell.
- Geothermal extraction involves drilling deep boreholes to access hot brine containing lithium, with a project already granted planning permission at Cross Lanes.
- These projects aim to supply a substantial portion of the UK's lithium needs by 2030, reducing reliance on imports.
- The initiatives are expected to bring back jobs and economic prosperity to Cornwall, an area that has seen industrial decline.
- The company is focusing on sustainable practices, including using electric machinery and potentially repurposing waste materials.
- Geothermal extraction also offers the potential for low-carbon heat energy as a byproduct.
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