Exploration drilling to enable accelerated development of lithium and heat from geothermal waters
This project involves the drilling of exploration wells, to support potential lithium extraction and geothermal heat resource in Cornwall.
Two initial exploration wells near Threemilestone will be drilled to a depth of around 1,000 metres where temperatures of lithium-rich waters are around 40 degrees Celsius. Depending on the results of this initial activity, a full technical and commercial feasibility study would be undertaken prior to seeking additional private sector funding to develop a full-scale lithium and heat production facility.
Successful outcomes – determined by brine flow rate, lithium concentrations and brine temperature – of the full project could include:
- Geothermal heat to supply hundreds of homes and a range of commercial and industrial uses.
- Lithium production with each plant producing battery-grade lithium.
- Job growth across multiple plants in Cornwall, each employing around 30 staff and associated jobs.
- Green private sector investment: A potential multi-million pound investment from the private sector in lithium and heat production.
More information about Cornish Lithium’s project can be found on their website: www.cornishlithium.com/besore-project