Cornish Lithium has turbocharged its journey to full-cycle domestic lithium production by acquiring breakthrough processing technology and patents from Australian innovator Lepidico. This strategic move empowers Cornish Lithium to mine, process, and refine battery-grade lithium hydroxide entirely within its Trelavour Downs site in Cornwall—marking a milestone in the UK’s ambition to build an independent, sustainable lithium supply chain.
The technology, proven through licensed pilot trials since 2021, enables a streamlined “pit to battery-grade product” pathway. By operating at atmospheric pressure and moderate temperatures, the process slashes carbon emissions, setting a new environmental standard for the industry. Cornish Lithium now holds exclusive rights to the intellectual property and plans to license the process globally under its own brand.
This acquisition also reinforces the UK government’s designation of the Trelavour Hard Rock Project as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, bringing the country closer to producing over 50,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) domestically by 2030. With its low-emission demonstration plant already online and further expansion plans, Cornish Lithium is positioning itself—and Cornwall—at the heart of the UK’s green energy transition.
“This is a huge step forward for the whole country, allowing us to secure the UK’s future lithium supply,” said Jamie Airnes, CEO of Cornish Lithium.
