The initial planning applications do not include lithium extraction, but the fluid at every geothermal site will be laboratory tested to identify any chemical and metal compounds present in the fluid. A high concentration of lithium was found at United Downs, so it is likely that other sites across Cornwall will have similar concentrations.

Lithium extraction from geothermal fluid offers an exciting opportunity for Cornwall. Lithium is a vital component of batteries, large and small, which we use in our everyday lives from mobile phones to electric vehicles. Britain is currently reliant on Lithium imports from China and the USA, so the UK needs a secure source of Lithium which Cornwall could provide.

However, extracting lithium from geothermal brines is in its infancy and so far, it has only been proven using small-scale Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) plants similar in size to a shipping container. DLE plants do not need to be located on the same site as a geothermal power plant.