Geothermal Engineering Ltd to launch lithium extraction plant in Cornwall

Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL) is set to establish a lithium extraction facility at United Downs in Redruth, Cornwall. The project involves an investment of approximately £43 million and has received an offer in principle for up to £9.8 million in UK government grant funding through the Automotive Transformation Fund, part of the DRIVE35 program.

Scheduled to begin commercial production in 2029, the facility aims to produce 1,500 tonnes of technical-grade lithium carbonate annually using direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology. This method utilizes geothermal brine and energy from the site’s own geothermal wells, avoiding traditional mining and evaporation ponds. The output is estimated to be sufficient for more than 180,000 electric vehicle batteries.

The project is expected to create 49 direct jobs and support approximately 83 indirect roles within the supply chain. Officials noted that the initiative aligns with the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy 2035, intended to reduce reliance on imports and bolster domestic supply chains for the transition to zero-emission vehicles.