UK-based company Weardale Lithium has received approval from Durham County Council to build the UK’s largest lithium extraction plant . The project, located in Eastgate, will harness geothermal groundwater to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate, with an initial target of 10,000 tonnes per year.
Technology and sustainability at the lithium extraction plant
This initiative represents a key step in the UK government’s critical minerals strategy, which seeks to secure a national supply chain for the energy transition. Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology will minimise environmental impact by reducing water consumption and carbon emissions compared to traditional methods.
The development of the plant will involve a multi-million pound investment and will create between 20 and 50 direct jobs in the initial phase, with projections of up to 125 highly qualified positions in the commercial phase. In addition, an economic impact of £1 billion is estimated in the north-east of the country.
Advanced technology and sustainability
Weardale Lithium has hired KBR Inc. for the design and licensing of the extraction technology. The company will implement a combination of PureLi technology and Geolith SAS’s Li-Capt process , ensuring the production of high-quality lithium with a sustainable approach.
The use of geothermal water will allow the plant to operate continuously without the need for high-impact infrastructure, such as transporting large volumes by truck. This will help reduce the project’s carbon footprint and facilitate access to raw materials for the growing battery industry in Europe.
A firm step towards electrification
This plant is a key component in establishing a domestic lithium supply chain and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy. The approval of the plan allows us to confidently move forward with the production of battery-grade lithium in a sustainable environment.
Stewart Dickson, CEO of Weardale Lithium, highlighted the importance of the project for the UK energy industry.
The Eastgate plant marks a milestone in strategic minerals production in the UK and reinforces the North East’s role as a key hub for the electrification and energy storage industry.
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Source: Weardale Lithium
Photo: Shutterstock
