About the project

Launched in 2023, Imerys British Lithium (IBL) combines the expertise and resources of Imerys and British Lithium. Since 2024, the company has been in full Imerys ownership, operating in tandem with Imerys’ French lithium project - EMILI.

As a worldwide supplier of minerals for a variety of industries including ceramics, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, Imerys is one of Cornwall’s largest employers and owns the land where a significant lithium deposit has been found.

British Lithium was established in 2017 by highly experienced mining professionals who researched and developed newly patented methods of extracting lithium and producing lithium carbonate here in Cornwall.

Our pilot plant has been successfully running research and development work since 2022. It is already producing battery-grade lithium carbonate.

Our plan is to produce 21,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate for electric vehicles every year, from Cornish granite - securing a UK supply of this critical mineral - while providing much needed jobs and investment for mid-Cornwall.