Lithium firm 'drives up' factory plans after tests

A minerals firm says it is driving ahead with factory plans after new tests delivered a “great step forward” in accelerating the UK’s green energy push.

Northern Lithium says “successful” trials leave it poised to open a production plant in 2027 and smash an original 10,000 tonnes annual extraction target.

The bullish outlook comes after a 60-day testing period beneath County Durham’s Northern Pennine Orefield delivered “further confirmation of consistent, economically viable concentrations of lithium”.

Bosses say the venture will play a key role in supporting UK net-zero efforts by providing much-needed lithium stocks for electric vehicle battery production and the energy storage sector.

They add the firm – which has worked with Widnes-based direct lithium extraction technology firm Evove and national engineer RSE – is now set to open a £2.5 million funding round to carry out additional drilling work and prepare planning applications.

Nick Pople, Northern Lithium managing director, said: “The results of these trials are a great step forward for our unique partnership established to deliver a secure, sustainable supply of lithium for the UK.

“They confirm we now have the opportunity and potential to scale up supply within the next decade to significantly more than our current base case target of 10,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium delivered per year.”

Chris Wyres, Evove chief executive, added: “We are delighted our advanced filtration technology is helping bring the Northern Lithium project to commercial reality.”

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