Cornish Lithium appoints local contractor as enabling works commence at Cross Lanes lithium project

Cornish Lithium, the mineral exploration and development company that is pioneering the responsible extraction of lithium from hard rock and geothermal waters in Cornwall, has appointed a local contractor as enabling works commence at its state‑of‑the‑art lithium project at Cross Lanes, near Truro.

The project will initially comprise the drilling of two wells to extract and test lithium from the brines that circulate naturally deep underground. The company aims to create one of the UK’s first commercial geothermal‑based lithium production facilities in Cornwall.

Lithium is a key component of lithium-ion batteries, which power consumer electronics, electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage systems.

Exploration drilling in 2023 confirmed that the sub-surface brines at the Cross Lanes site hold strong potential for commercial lithium extraction.

Cornish contractor, WH Bond & Sons, has been appointed to deliver the site enabling works, which are now underway. Based near Saltash, the family‑owned company specialises in civil engineering, groundworks and infrastructure projects, bringing valuable knowledge and expertise. The appointment forms part of Cornish Lithium’s commitment to backing the local supply chain – ensuring investment, opportunity and skills development are retained within Cornwall as far as possible, as the project progresses.

The work at Cross Lanes includes building access roads, constructing the concrete pad for the drill rig and creating a lagoon for short-term water storage. Completion is anticipated in late spring, subject to weather conditions. At the same time, the existing geothermal exploration well that was drilled in 2023 will be cleaned and tested.

Phase One, beginning in early summer, will involve drilling two production‑scale wells to depths of around 2,000 metres. The drilling phase will be followed by a three‑month testing period through autumn and winter. A modular demonstration plant will also be installed on site to test the company’s chosen Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology.

Lithium‑enriched brines will be pumped from the first well and processed using this technology. Once the lithium is extracted, the brines will then be reinjected underground via the second well.

Data generated from the well testing will enable Cornish Lithium to assess the quantity and quality of lithium in the brines, as well as the potential to harness geothermal heat for local homes and businesses. These results will inform the Final Investment Decision on the commercial viability of the site.

Martin Geissler, VP General Manager for Lithium in Geothermal Waters at Cornish Lithium, said: “We are delighted to welcome WH Bond & Sons, who have been appointed at our Cross Lanes site through a competitive tendering process. They are the first of many local, national and international companies we look forward to working with as we continue to develop the project and help to reinvigorate Cornwall’s proud mining industry, create high‑quality careers and deliver long‑term economic growth for the region.

“This project marks an important step in delivering our contribution to the Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy, which aims to produce 50,000 tonnes of lithium by 2035. Across our Lithium in Geothermal Waters portfolio, we are targeting 10,000 tonnes per year, so advancing the Cross Lanes project is a significant milestone towards that ambition.

“We will continue to keep in close contact with our neighbours as the project moves forward, sharing regular updates through our Community Liaison Group and resident communications.”

Shaun Philp, Contracting Manager at WH Bond & Sons, added: “We are proud to be working with Cornish Lithium on a project in Cornwall that will have a major national impact and, once we have completed our enabling works, we will watch with interest as this exciting scheme develops. As a Cornwall–based business, sustainability, community support and creating opportunities for local people remain central to how we operate. We are pleased to be supporting a development that will benefit Cornish communities and will continue to work with local suppliers wherever possible. We look forward to developing and nurturing a positive working relationship with Cornish Lithium as the project progresses.”

Planning consent for the first phase of the project was granted by Cornwall Council and can be viewed on the Cornwall Council planning register under PA25/05631.

For more information about the project, click here.