Cornish Lithium Ltd has welcomed the support for domestic industries as outlined in the Government’s national security and international policy review.
The 114-page Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy looks at Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s vision for the UK in 2030.
Aspects covered also include science and technology, the economy, cyber industry, carbon capture and zero emission vehicles.
The document states that the UK must be more active in shaping the open international order by having an open and resilient economy.
This could be bolstered in several ways including diversification of the UK’s supply of critical goods.
“…such as medical equipment and rare earth elements, through trade partnerships and international collaboration.
“Within the UK, we will continue to explore opportunities around domestic extraction and processing of critical minerals, such as lithium, as well as their recovery, recycling and reuse to establish a viable circular economy.
“The Government is already supporting a number of pilot projects across Cornwall, for example, through its ‘Getting Building Fund’.”
In reponse to the review, Cornish Lithium chairman Jeremy Wrathall said that lithium exploration in the county would drive investment in domestic industries such as technology and alternative energy.
“I am encouraged by the Prime Minister’s commitments outlined in his Integrated Review today which stated that in addition to accelerating the transition to a zero-carbon global economy, its priority actions will include continuing to explore opportunities around domestic extraction and processing of critical minerals, such as lithium, as well as their recovery, recycling and reuse to establish a viable circular economy.
“Cornish Lithium is well-placed to deliver a domestic supply of lithium from Cornwall to support the Government’s vision of creating strong domestic foundations that will secure a prosperous and resilient UK in 2030, through the development of a domestic raw materials supply chain and a mineral extraction industry to support it.
“A supply of lithium is key in the development of clean, green technologies that will contribute to achieving the country’s net zero emissions target.”