Cornish Lithium mine, Trelavour pit, gains ‘national significance’ status, crucial for UK’s electric vehicle (EV) plans.
- By 2030, Trelavour aims to supply 25,000 tonnes of lithium annually for British EVs.
- The UK targets 80% of car sales to be electric by 2030, increasing lithium demand.
- Securing local lithium supply reduces UK’s reliance on imports, lowering emissions and costs.
- Cornish Lithium could meet over half of UK’s car industry’s lithium needs, supporting multiple tech sectors.
The Trelavour pit, operated by Cornish Lithium, has been designated a ‘project of national significance,’ expediting its development process under ministerial supervision. This strategic move aligns with the UK’s ambition to bolster its domestic lithium supply, essential for battery production in electric vehicles. This mine is projected to yield 25,000 tonnes of lithium per year by the decade’s end, significantly contributing to the nation’s electric vehicle production goals.
Lithium’s critical role in battery technology makes the development of the Trelavour site pivotal in meeting the anticipated surge in demand for electric vehicles across the UK. With plans for the site to produce 10,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide annually and an additional 15,000 tonnes sourced from geothermal waters in Cornwall, the region stands to become a cornerstone in Britain’s lithium mining industry. This initiative signifies a major shift towards reducing dependency on imported lithium from countries like Australia, South America, and China, helping to decrease carbon emissions and transportation costs associated with foreign imports.
The drive for EV adoption in the UK is gaining momentum, with targets set to increase EV sales from 22% of all new cars in 2024 to 80% by 2030, and eventually reaching full adoption by 2035. Presently, with over 1.2 million electric cars on UK roads, constituting approximately 3.5% of the total, projections estimate this share to rise to 20% by 2030. Such substantial growth underscores the necessity for a reliable local lithium supply chain.
Cornish Lithium’s operations could potentially satisfy more than 50% of the UK’s automotive lithium requirements, calculated to be around 80,000 tonnes annually by 2030. This domestic provision not only aims to meet vehicular demands but also supports a broader application of lithium in technologies like rechargeable batteries for personal electronics and critical healthcare devices.
The establishment of a local lithium supply chain is crucial in securing the future of the UK car manufacturing sector, which remains a pivotal exporter to Europe. By fostering this domestic resource, the UK positions itself advantageously amidst rising global competition and stringent environmental mandates.
Cornish Lithium’s Trelavour pit represents a key asset in propelling the UK’s electric vehicle and technology sectors towards a sustainable future.
