Cornwall lithium plant plans go on show for the public

An operational pilot plant has been running near Roche since 2022

People can look at plans for a large-scale lithium processing plant earmarked for Cornwall.

Imerys British Lithium (IBL) has run a pilot plant near Roche for two years and wants to increase its operation.

In the first of a series of events, a public consultation session is being held at Roche Victory Hall Social Club on Wednesday from 14:00 GMT to 19:00.

IBL said staff would be at the hall to answer questions and receive feedback for the plans.

Further consultation sessions are planned in the coming months at Bugle, Trewoon, Penwithick, St Austell, Treverbyn, St Dennis, St Stephen and Fraddon.

Research into lithium from Cornish granite has been under way since 2017

Research and development of extracting lithium from Cornish granite, which is used in new-generation batteries to help combat climate change, and for batteries in portable devices and electric vehicles, have been looked at since 2017.

IBL chief executive Andrew Smith said the planned plant aimed to be "one of the most sustainable lithium producers in the world".

He said: "By having everything on the same site and close to our intended customers, waste and transport will be minimised and local renewable energy will be used to power as much of the site as possible."

Mr Smith added more than 300 workers could be employed if the full-scale plant got up and running.

"The planning and permitting process will take two years, and so will subsequent construction," he added.