The Government’s new plan for critical minerals recognises the contribution that Cornwall can make to the UK’s prosperity and resilience. But there is a lot yet to do if we are to realise that potential for the good of the Duchy and the country.

The Critical Minerals Strategy, published this weekend, confirms what those of us who live and work in Cornwall have known for years. Our area has extensive mineral wealth that is critical for Britain’s high-tech, net-zero future. The electric vehicles we’ll drive increasingly in the future will increase demand for lithium by over 1000% between now and 2035.

The Strategy says this demand can help drive an industrial renaissance in our region. Imerys British Lithium is leading the charge to that brighter future. We own the land where a significant lithium deposit has been found and we bring decades of expertise to developing this important resource. Kaolin extraction and processing in Cornwall dates back over centuries and continues to be a mainstay of our local economy – employing around 800 people directly and thousands more indirectly – across the Duchy.

Our lithium pilot plant has been successfully running research and development work since 2021 – with battery-grade lithium carbonate first produced there from Cornish granite in 2022.

Our plan is to produce over 21,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate for electric vehicles every year, for more than 30 years. This will secure a UK supply of this critical mineral while providing much needed jobs and investment for mid-Cornwall.

But we must be clear-eyed about the challenges ahead if projects like this are to help meet rising demand. No lithium is currently produced in Europe, which is why the Government must play a role in this industry. Lithium pricing has been very volatile over the past few years. The cost of
UK production must be competitive, so we can reliably supply customers and justify the major investment required.

The new strategy recognises the scale of these challenges. It has signalled its willingness to deliver a strong public finance offer, provide support on energy costs, and work with our allies, including in Europe, to respond to shared vulnerabilities.

Imerys British Lithium strongly welcomes the energy and focus the Government has brought to the table with its new plan. We now need to work in partnership if we are to put words into action – and our minerals into the products we need for the decades ahead.