Independent analysis predicts that our mining operations will lead the world in greenhouse gas emission reduction (GHG). Our environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks are also likely to be significantly lower than those of existing mines.
Those are the findings of a benchmarking process carried out as part of the £2.9 million Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Phase 2 grant awarded to British Lithium by Innovate UK.
With sustainability key to averting catastrophic climate change, we needed to prove our green credentials in a rigorous assessment that included comparing our forecast energy consumption, GHG emissions, water consumption and recycling plans with current lithium producers.
The analysis has recently been completed and, in the final SBRI report, our pilot plant at Roche, near St Austell, is described as ‘an exemplary project which is a good role model for both Innovate UK investment and for business alike’. It also concluded that we have exceeded our objectives, met our planned timetable, are on budget and that both our marketing and project planning activities ‘exceeded expectations’.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome and would like to thank SBRI and the Innovate UK teams for all their support and help to date,” said British Lithium CEO Andrew Smith.
“Looking after the environment is an absolute must and, to that end, we’ll continue doing as much as we possibly can to improve our sustainability as we progress towards full operational status.”
Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Secretary of State at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy recently visited our pilot plant.
He said: “Green industries of the future rely upon critical minerals such as lithium. To keep the UK at the forefront of the global Green Industrial Revolution and to protect our national security interests, it is vital we develop domestic supply chains, such as here in Cornwall, making us resilient to any international disruptions.
“Ahead of the publication of our Critical Mineral Strategy later this year, it was fantastic to see the work British Lithium is doing to strengthen these supply chains and support our ever-growing electric vehicle industry.”
