From its Trelavour Demonstration Plant near St Austell, Cornish Lithium has successfully produced lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM), the refined form of lithium essential for EV batteries, energy storage systems, and modern electronics.
This achievement represents the first end-to-end lithium refining process in the UK, transforming a former china clay quarry into a state-of-the-art industrial site. With Cornwall holding Europe’s largest lithium deposits, it’s estimated the region could supply over 50% of all lithium required for UK EV production by 2030.
Cornish Lithium’s work, backed by Innovate UK’s Automotive Transformation Fund, showcases the UK’s capability to create a resilient and responsible critical minerals supply chain, vital for energy security and national economic growth.
EVC Solutions Director Nigel Ryan commented on the announcement:
“This is very exciting news and adds further to the technological value created for ‘UK plc’; energy and materials security and many other important elements supporting the transition from ICE to BEV. Well done to the folks in Cornwall, working hard to make this critical investment in the UK Lithium future, just super news.”
At EVC Solutions, we see this as a turning point for the UK’s EV transition. Secure access to key materials like lithium will help stabilise battery costs, accelerate infrastructure rollout, and ensure businesses can invest in EV fleets and charging infrastructure with confidence.
It’s another reminder that the UK’s electric future isn’t just possible - it’s already being built.
