A project which could see a full-scale lithium mine operating in Cornwall within five years has won a share of a £9.4million Government investment into new battery and electric vehicle technology.
Cornish Lithium, which is looking to create a lithium extraction plant in the Duchy, is among 22 studies sharing the cash in a bid to develop innovative automotive technology, including hydrogen vehicles, and support the Government’s plan to phase out sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and Build Back Greener following the pandemic.
Cornish Lithium’s Trelavour Hard Rock Lithium Scoping Study will assess the feasibility of developing a sustainable UK supply chain through the construction of an extraction plant that will produce low-carbon lithium hydroxide from a hard rock source in St Austell. Lithium hydroxide is an essential part of vehicle battery production.
In February 2021 Cornish Lithium began drilling for the precious metal at its Trelavour hard rock lithium project. Two drill rigs are expected to be on site for weeks with almost 1,500 metres of diamond and 2,500 metres of “reverse circulation” drilling planned.
At the same time the company is continuing to advance its project to extract lithium contained within geothermal waters. It has begun work on the Government-funded pilot lithium extraction plant at the United Downs Deep Geothermal Project, which will enable it to trial extraction technologies.
The Cornwall project has been included in the list of 22 studies alongside a plant to build specialised magnets for electric vehicle motors in Cheshire and lightweight hydrogen storage for cars and vans in Loughborough.
The Government-backed Faraday Institution is also committing a further £22.6million to continue its work to further improve the safety, reliability and sustainability of batteries.
This funding comes ahead of the phasing out of the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, as pledged in the Government’s 10 Point Plan for a green industrial revolution.
Research into alternative ways to power vehicles is a fundamental part of this transition, ensuring the UK remains a world leader in automotive technology and boosting jobs and skills in regions leading the way.
The Government said that investment in battery technology will help motorists and the environment by improving performance and reducing costs of electric vehicles. It is also good for businesses and workers, supporting the creation of new jobs, new industries and the development of technologies to power the automotive and energy revolution in the UK.
Minister for Investment Gerry Grimstone said: “We have set an ambitious target to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. To support that it is crucial we invest in research so we can power ahead with the shift to electric vehicles as we build back greener from the pandemic.
“The world leading research announced today showcases the very best of British innovation and it will support all stages of the automotive supply chain to make the switch to electric vehicles - from developing batteries, to exploring how to recycle them.”
