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.
Phase 1 of the project began in January 2026 and includes the construction and operation of the geothermal lithium production facility, along with drilling two new 2,000‑metre boreholes. A non‑material amendment now allows both wells to be drilled from a single drill pad, located where the recirculation pad was originally proposed. After completing the production well, the drill rig will be repositioned on the same pad to drill the second well. The updated layout and noise report can be viewed on the Cornwall Council planning register under PA25/05631.
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.
Over 2026 the associated conditions from the planning consent will be discharged, and work to develop the site as outlined in the plans for phase 1 will take place. The first step will involve site preparation and enabling works, with the wells being drilled in summer 2026.
The final depth of the well was around 2km, with a lithium grade of 100ppm, and a final well 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. A non-material amendment for the project was approved in September 2025 to drill both wells from the same drill pad. This can be viewed with submission number PA25/05631.
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 well 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 Monday 23 March at 5pm 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.
Stay informed with the latest CLG meeting notes.
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