Cornish Lithium acquires new technology and patents to strengthen end-to-end lithium production readiness

The move gives Cornish Lithium the ability to mine, process, and refine battery-grade lithium hydroxide within its site at Trelavour Downs in Cornwall. This end-to-end ‘pit to battery-grade product’ capability helps to de-risk extraction, refining, and processing as the business moves at pace from research and development to full-scale UK lithium production.

Cornish Lithium’s acquisition follows extensive pilot testing of the technology under license since 2021. Cornish Lithium now owns sole rights to the intellectual property and associated patents of its lithium extraction process and intends to licence this technology globally under its own brand.

The new technology, incorporated into the company’s recently commissioned, state-of-the-art demonstration plant in Cornwall, operates at atmospheric pressure and at moderate temperature, significantly reducing carbon emissions and helping to set a new sustainability standard in the sector.

The acquisition reinforces the UK Government’s designation of the Trelavour Hard Rock Project as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and helps secure the UK’s future lithium supply, all on one single domestic site in Cornwall. The UK has the potential to produce over 50 000 tpy of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) from domestic sources by 2030. This acquisition is an important step on this journey.

Jeremy Wrathall, Founder and Executive Chairman of Cornish Lithium, commented:

“The acquisition of this technology enables us to further enhance our processing of lithium in Cornwall but also offers us the opportunity to licence this technology to other lithium deposits around the world.

“We are excited to contribute to the UK's ambition to become a leader in the supply of critical minerals essential for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage industries. Importantly, this allows us to bring this crucial technology to Cornwall, creating a foundation for innovation, long-term growth and job creation within the region.”

Jamie Airnes, new CEO of Cornish Lithium, stated:

"This acquisition represents a pivotal moment for Cornish Lithium as we move towards full-cycle lithium production in Cornwall. By integrating this cutting-edge technology into our operations, we not only enhance our production capabilities but also reaffirm our commitment to sustainable and efficient lithium extraction. We believe that this is a huge step forward for the whole country, allowing us to secure the UK’s future lithium supply.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/22052025/cornish-lithium-acquires-new-technology-and-patents-to-strengthen-end-to-end-lithium-production-readiness/