According to Mining, on Feb 5th, 2025, Weardale Lithium has received approval from Durham County Council to build the UK’s largest lithium extraction facility in Eastgate, Weardale. The facility will feature a demonstration plant integrating Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) and carbonization technology to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate on-site. The lithium source for this project will come from geothermal groundwaters, with extraction and processing designed to minimize environmental impact. Weardale Lithium has partnered with KBR Inc. for technology licensing and proprietary engineering design, ensuring a highly efficient and scalable production process.
The project aligns with the UK government’s Critical Minerals Strategy and Battery Strategy, both of which aim to reduce reliance on foreign mineral supplies and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. Once scaled for commercial production, the facility will target an annual output of at least 10,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate. The development is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, with initial job creation ranging between 20 and 50 roles and approximately 125 highly skilled positions once full-scale commercial operations begin. The project is forecasted to add $1.24 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the North East region.
The approved facility will utilize an existing deep, high-specification commercial-grade abstraction well for lithium extraction, with pipelines transporting geothermal groundwaters to the plant. This method significantly reduces local traffic, minimizes land use impact, and lowers the project’s carbon footprint. The development also represents a significant brownfield redevelopment, as the facility will be constructed on the site of a former cement works that was demolished more than 20 years ago. Weardale Lithium emphasized that the project’s reuse of existing infrastructure and connectivity makes it well-positioned for sustainable development.
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