A bulk sample of hard rock being analyzed by British Lithium’s team at its Cornwall-based metallurgical laboratory is showing better than expected results. The company aims to extract lithium carbonate from the mica in granite, and analysis of the sample represents the latest stage in progressing towards full-scale production in three-to-five years’ time.
The sample was excavated by British Lithium Limited geologists at the location near St. Austell where the company has been drilling over the last two years. Initial testing was undertaken by locally based mining consultants, Wardell Armstrong, and more detailed work is now taking place in the company’s laboratory.
“The results are indicating a higher grade of lithium than anticipated which is very exciting,” said British Lithium’s chief executive Andrew Smith. “No other company in the world is currently producing lithium from mica and, given the increasing demand for batteries as the U.K. moves towards more sustainable technology, the work we are doing promises to have a significant impact on the local and national economy.”
British Lithium has recently been awarded an Innovate UK Smart Grant to help fund the analysis. Exawatt, a U.K.-based strategic and research consultancy, predicts that fully electric vehicles powered solely by batteries will dominate U.K. vehicle sales by the end of the decade.
For more information: British Lithium
