Geothermal
production facility
Following positive exploration results from work at Cross Lanes near Redruth, the waters that flow deep beneath the surface of the area have been identified as having potential for commercial lithium extraction. Planning permission has been granted for a commercial lithium production facility at this site. The facility, which will include a demonstration plant phase, will enable Cornish Lithium to implement multiple phases of testing and enhancements, with a long-term aim of achieving full commercial production at the site. This will include the construction and operation of a geothermal lithium production facility and the development of two additional 2,000-metre-deep boreholes. The full planning application and associated documents can be viewed on the Cornwall Council planning register with the application number PA24/06661.
Frequently asked questions
The Cross Lanes area (previously known as Twelveheads) was selected as a promising site to explore for lithium in geothermal waters following intensive desk studies, 3D modelling, and reviewing historic mining data for the area
Exploration drilling took place in 2022 and 2023, with further testing of the waters throughout 2023 and 2024. After positive exploration results, a decision was made to progress this to a pre-commercial lithium production facility.
Cornwall Council granted planning consent for the facility to be established in February 2025. The full planning application and associated conditions which will need to be discharged can be viewed on the Cornwall Council planning register with the application number PA24/06661. Work towards developing the site as outlined in the plans will being over 2025
The final depth of the borehole was around 2km, with a lithium grade of 100ppm, and a final borehole temperature of 70 degrees.
The Mineral Planning Authority at Cornwall Council provided temporary permission for exploration work, under the submission number PA22/00830 and permission was sought from the Environment Agency. Full planning for the pre-commercial site was approved in February 2025 by the Mineral Planning Authority at Cornwall Council under submission number PA24/06661.
As part of our ongoing commitment to proactive community engagement, we have held several community information sessions to date.
Our team presented the plans, updates, and discussed any questions regarding the planning application before its submission. This event allowed local residents to learn about the potential for the environmentally responsible extraction of lithium from the waters that run deep beneath the surface of Cross Lanes, following the positive test results from Cornish Lithium’s recent exploration borehole at this site.
Further sessions will be held as the project progresses.
A community liaison group has been set up that meets on a regular basis to discuss the project. This is open to all members of the community. If you are interested in joining, please contact us on crosslanes@cornishlithium.com
The site is being designed with environmental considerations. An Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) for a commercial plant at this location has been commissioned, which outlines potential impacts and mitigations. The full document is available as part of the planning application PA24/06661.
Cross Lanes
Community Liaison Group
We regularly meet residents who live near our Cross Lanes Project to share information and answer questions.
The next Cross Lanes Community Liaison Group meeting will be held on Wednesday 28 January at 6pm at Chacewater Village Hall, Church Hill, Chacewater, Truro TR4 8PZ. If you would like to join or learn more about the group, please contact us at crosslanes@cornishlithium.com.
