Forming in the late Variscan Orogenic event, the granite is hosted within one of the six exposed plutons within Cornwall and Devon. This granite is the youngest observed in the Southwest and has been intruded within older granites and country rock, known locally as Killas.

The Gunheath project is made up of several granitic units which have been displayed below. These are specimens that have been collected and analysed by the team and aid in the further development of the project and future exploration.


 

Rock Samples from the Cornubian Batholith

Explore key rock specimens from Imerys British Lithium’s Greenbarrow project, including lithium-rich mica granite and local country rock. These samples help guide our exploration and development within Cornwall’s unique geology.

Close-up of lithium mica granite sample, showcasing mineral-rich texture used in lithium extraction for batteries and clean energy.

Lithium Mica Granite

Equigranular and partially kaolinsied, Zinnwaldite (Li-rich brown mica) bearing Topaz granite. Secondary copper minerals (blue-green)

Close-up of lithium mica pegmatite showing green secondary copper minerals and coarse crystal structure on wet metallic surface.

Lithium-Mica Pegmatite

High grade Lithium-Mica pegmatite with a secondary copper seam.

Zinnwaldite pegmatite sample with dark mica crystals and white quartz, showcasing lithium-rich mineralisation and yellow surface staining.

Zinnwaldite Pegmatite

Pegmaite vein with large crystals of Zinnwaldite (Li-rich brown mica) and Quartz, hosted in Topaz granite. Green Gilbertite alteration and Kaolinisation can also be seen in the granite host.

Zinnwaldite tourmaline granite sample showing speckled texture with lithium-rich mica, quartz, and dark tourmaline inclusions on wet surface.

Zinnwaldite-Tourmaline Granite

Porphyritic Zinnwaldite (Li-rich brown mica) bearing Tourmaline (black elongate) granite. Kaolinsation has partially altered phenocrysts of Plagioclase Feldspar.

Fluorite-rich granite specimen with striking purple fluorite crystals embedded in light granite matrix, displayed on a wet surface.

Fluorite Rich Granite

Quartz and Fluorite (purple) vein hosted within Gilbertite (green) altered Topaz granite.

Tourmaline granite sample featuring black tourmaline crystals scattered within a coarse, yellowish-white granitic matrix on a wet surface.

Tourmaline Granite

Porphyritic Tourmaline (black elongate) granite with large phenocrysts of Plagioclase Feldspar. Partially Kaolinised.

Elvan rock sample showing a fine-grained texture with yellowish mineral staining, photographed on a wet, reflective surface.

Elvan

Fine grained Rhyolite dyke.

Killas rock sample featuring fine-grained, laminated textures in pale hues, representing meta-sedimentary country rock from Cornwall.

Killas

Fine grained meta-sedimentary country rock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions about lithium

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Why is the UK government supporting lithium production projects like this one?

Securing a UK supply is essential as we progress on our journey towards Net Zero. This will protect the UK from the effects of global instability and price fluctuations. Globally, we need more lithium than is currently available, and none is currently produced in Europe, which is why the UK government is supporting our project.

Why does the cost of UK lithium production need to be competitive?

It will be important for the cost of UK production of lithium to be competitive, so that we can reliably supply customers over the long term, and justify the major investment required.

Why is a domestic supply of lithium important for the UK and EU?

Lithium pricing has been very volatile over the past few years. But as the UK and EU’s deadline to switch sales of new vehicles to EVs is only 10 years away, and the UK continues on its journey to net zero - the need for a domestic supply of lithium is projected to increase strongly.
SEE THE FULL FAQ

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