Lithium was discovered in Cornwall in 1864 in the hot geothermal fluid when a sample of water was taken from a tin mine for analysis. Lithium is the lightest metal on the periodic table, it is soft, silvery, and light in its elemental form, with a density around half that of water. When the lithium particles are washed out of the surrounding rock by geothermal fluid it dissolves. These factors mean that it is not straightforward to extract lithium from geothermal fluid. Modern environmentally friendly lithium extraction technology is moving at a fast pace, with many companies now in the process of testing a variety of lithium extraction techniques. Many factors need to be taken into consideration when selecting an extraction technology, including the temperature of the geothermal fluid and other metals and minerals that are present. During the Geothermal well testing at the GEL United Downs site, samples of the fluid from circa 5km below the surface were analysed. The results were surprising, revealing some of the highest concentrations in geothermal wells in Europe and ideal for extracting.
There is a unanimous drive nationally to focus particularly on Critical Raw Mineral (CRM) production in the UK, to reduce our reliance on other countries and to create our own industry here in the UK. We want to use this resource to contribute to the UK energy transition to a cleaner and greener future for generations to come.
As demand for lithium continues to grow, particularly for use in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage, the strategic importance of establishing a secure and sustainable domestic supply has never been greater. By focusing on local extraction and processing, the UK can significantly reduce its reliance on imported materials. Developing a domestic lithium industry not only strengthens national resilience but also supports job creation, innovation, and long-term economic growth.
Our deep geothermal brines present a unique opportunity to extract lithium with a lower environmental footprint compared to traditional mining. This approach aligns with the UK’s broader goals of transitioning to a low carbon economy and achieving net-zero emissions. By responsibly utilising this resource, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the UK’s clean energy transition through supporting the development of greener technologies while preserving the environment for future generations.
We are committed to advancing lithium production in a way that is environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially responsible. In doing so, we hope to position the UK at the forefront of the global energy transition and ensure a cleaner, greener future for all.
How is lithium extracted?
Traditional commercial lithium extraction is from salt-flat brines in countries that are hot with little rainfall through a process of evaporation and chemical recovery. Lithium is also recovered from lithium-bearing ores (rock), through a process that involves crushing, roasting, and acid leaching. These techniques use large areas of land and can be disruptive/potentially harmful to the local environment. Environmentally friendly Lithium extraction technology is in its infancy but growing rapidly around the world. There are predominantly 3 technologies being developed, these are: Adsorption, ion exchange & solvent extraction.
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the benefits of these extraction methods include no contamination of the surrounding area because they are completely contained above ground in purpose-built units, low on water consumption, and are not limited to hot countries. In Cornwall, once the lithium has been extracted from the geothermal fluid, it is deposited back underground to percolate through the natural fractures in the granite, so it has minimal impact on the environment.
