Imerys and British Lithium Partner to Develop UK's Largest Lithium Deposit
British Lithium has formed a strategic partnership with Imerys to accelerate the development of the UK's largest lithium deposit. Earlymarket is pleased to witness the progress of British Lithium in such a crucial area for the UK and Europe's raw material supply chains.
From left to right: Roderick Smith (British Lithium Chairman), Alessandro Dazza (CEO of Imerys)
The joint venture aims to establish the UK's first integrated producer of battery-grade lithium carbonate. Imerys will contribute its lithium mineral resources, land, and infrastructure, holding an 80% stake in the partnership. British Lithium brings its bespoke lithium processing technology, technical team, and lithium pilot plant, taking up the remaining 20% stake.
With a lithium deposit estimated at 161 million tonnes and a lithium oxide content of 0.54%, the venture expects a mine life exceeding 30 years. The development plans encompass a quarry, a beneficiation plant, and a conversion unit located on Imerys' brownfield site, with the goal of producing high-purity lithium.
The partnership has been approved by the UK Government under the National Security Investment Act protocol; additionally, the project aligns with European and British climate change targets and contributes to the creation of a fully integrated regional electric vehicle value chain. With an annual production capacity of 20,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate by the end of the decade, the partnership will Cornwall as a leading lithium hub in the UK, servicing 500,000 electric cars per year. Imerys already employs 830 people across five open pit mine sites in Cornwall and Devon. The joint venture with British Lithium will help generate growth and jobs for the region.
With a lithium deposit estimated at 161 million tonnes and a lithium oxide content of 0.54%, the venture expects a mine life exceeding 30 years. The development plans encompass a quarry, a beneficiation plant, and a conversion unit located on Imerys' brownfield site, with the goal of producing high-purity lithium.
The partnership has been approved by the UK Government under the National Security Investment Act protocol; additionally, the project aligns with European and British climate change targets and contributes to the creation of a fully integrated regional electric vehicle value chain. With an annual production capacity of 20,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate by the end of the decade, the partnership will Cornwall as a leading lithium hub in the UK, servicing 500,000 electric cars per year. Imerys already employs 830 people across five open pit mine sites in Cornwall and Devon. The joint venture with British Lithium will help generate growth and jobs for the region.
Sarah with Roderick and Alessandro at the partnership launch
British Lithium: a research and development company based in Saint-Austell, employs 18 scientists and has a portfolio of seven UK and three international patents pending, The company has dedicated years of research and development to develop a unique process and state-of-the-art pilot plant for producing battery-grade lithium from Cornish granite.
Imerys: Imerys is a global leader in mineral-based specialty solutions, delivering high-value-added functional solutions across various industries. The company combines its expertise, technological capabilities, and material science know-how to develop environmentally-friendly products and processes.
Earlymarket remains excited about the future prospects of British Lithium and its partnership with Imerys. The accelerated development of the UK's largest lithium deposit brings the country closer to establishing a sustainable and domestic supply of this critical material for the growing electric vehicle industry.
Imerys: Imerys is a global leader in mineral-based specialty solutions, delivering high-value-added functional solutions across various industries. The company combines its expertise, technological capabilities, and material science know-how to develop environmentally-friendly products and processes.
Earlymarket remains excited about the future prospects of British Lithium and its partnership with Imerys. The accelerated development of the UK's largest lithium deposit brings the country closer to establishing a sustainable and domestic supply of this critical material for the growing electric vehicle industry.
British Lithium explaining the diverse rock typology to Imerys