Feasibility study to create the business case for the purchase and installation of a commercial scale geothermal Direct Lithium Extraction unit in Cornwall

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Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK

£345,480

April 30, 2022

Sept. 30, 2022

The project will develop the business case for funding a Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) unit(s) to extract lithium from deep geothermal water in Cornwall. At present, the UK produces no domestic lithium, an element that is required for most modern battery technologies. For the electric automotive industry in particular, lithium (in the form of hydroxide) is a crucial part of the supply chain. In Cornwall, we have drilled two deep wells into the rock (the deepest is 5.2km) to tap into the hot (185C) geothermal water for power production. This deep water also contains high concentrations of lithium. Recent technology (DLE) has enabled lithium to be extracted from this water at the surface as a by-product of the power generation process. The whole process requires no external energy, as any demands are met from the geothermal power plant. The product therefore has no carbon footprint, as opposed the common forms of lithium mining worldwide.

DLE technology has already been trialled at our United Downs site and good lithium recovery rates (\>90%) have been observed. The next step will be to scale up this production to larger quantities and 24/7 operation which will require investment. This project will develop the investment grade business case for public or private funding.