Cornish Lithium awards contract for Cross Lanes Geothermal Lithium Project to Halliburton

This project aims to confirm the site’s potential for the commercial production of lithium. Work will begin with the drilling of two wells to establish the lithium resource potential of geothermal waters – also known as brine – that circulate deep underground.

Under the contract, Halliburton will provide an integrated execution approach, encompassing subsurface modelling and well engineering, together with equipment and services for the drilling and testing of two appraisal wells. This work will help to estimate the amount of lithium contained within the geothermal system of the Cornubian Batholith – the large body of granite formed around 280 million years ago that lies beneath much of Cornwall and Devon.

These commercial-scale wells will allow Cornish Lithium to carry out extended testing during a defined timescale to validate sustainable production conditions, assess water reinjection rates and confirm the company’s preferred Direct Lithium Extraction technology at demonstration scale. In addition, these test works will allow the company to explore the potential to harness geothermal heat for local homes and businesses. 

Data gathered from the wells will inform the project’s Final Investment Decision and support the company’s wider ambition to develop a network of modular geothermal lithium production hubs across Cornwall. Together, these sites could deliver a scalable, low-carbon, and secure domestic supply of lithium for the UK.

The Cross Lanes Geothermal Lithium Project is supported by a grant of £7.2m through the UK Government's DRIVE35 programme to part-fund Cornish Lithium's £14.5m programme of drilling and testing. DRIVE35 is delivered by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade in partnership with the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK and Innovate UK.

Cornish Lithium first drilled and tested an exploration borehole at Cross Lanes in 2023, which confirmed that lithium-rich geothermal waters circulate naturally through its underlying rock formations.

Lithium is a key component of lithium-ion batteries, which power consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and large-scale energy storage systems, as well as a broad range of advanced manufacturing applications.

Martin Geissler, VP General Manager for Lithium in Geothermal Waters at Cornish Lithium, said: “We are delighted to appoint Halliburton as our technical collaborator for integrated service delivery on the well services and testing scope of our Cross Lanes Geothermal Lithium Project.

“Halliburton brings deep industry expertise and knowledge and will support the drilling and testing phases of our project, from well design to construction. Their team was highly proactive throughout the tender process, demonstrating a clear understanding of our requirements and a strong commitment to supporting the project’s objectives. We look forward to working with Halliburton and other collaborators as we continue to advance the project, support Cornwall’s proud mining heritage, and create high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth for the region.”

Halliburton is one of the world’s leading providers of products and services to the energy industry. Founded in 1919, the company creates innovative technologies, products, and services that help customers maximise value throughout the life cycle of an asset and advance a sustainable energy future.

Jean-Marc Lopez, Senior Vice President, Europe, Eurasia, and Sub-Saharan Africa region, Halliburton, added: “Halliburton will support Cornish Lithium on the well services and testing scope for the Cross Lanes Geothermal Lithium Project. With more than 70 years of geothermal development experience and over a century of well delivery expertise, I expect our teams will execute the drilling programme safely and efficiently to support Cornish Lithium’s technical and operational objectives.”

Planning consent for the first phase of the Cross Lanes Geothermal Lithium Project was granted by Cornwall Council and can be viewed on the Council’s planning register under reference PA25/05631.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/25082026/cornish-lithium-awards-contract-for-cross-lanes-geothermal-lithium-project-to-halliburton/