Ground Investigation for Cornish Lithium Plc
Ground Consultants Limited have been working closely with Cornish Lithium, Galliford Try and Ausenco on a geotechnical project in St Dennis, in the heart of Cornwall.
The investigation is aimed at characterising the geotechnical properties of the site, in order to inform a feasibility study for the construction of a Lithium processing plant. Lithium mining in Cornwall has garnered attention due to the region’s rich geological deposits of the metal. Historically known for its tin and copper mining, Cornwall now finds itself at the forefront of lithium extraction, a critical component in the manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. The process involves extracting lithium from mineral-rich brines and hard rock deposits found beneath the surface. As the world transitions towards sustainable energy solutions, the demand for lithium has surged, making Cornwall’s lithium resources increasingly valuable. This mining activity not only holds economic promise for the region but also contributes to global efforts in reducing carbon emissions by facilitating the widespread adoption of clean energy technologies.
The subject site is located in a geologically complex area of Cornwall, where the granite pluton meets the slate “country rock,” altering it to what is known as Hornfels. Hornfels is a metamorphic rock, formed by heating of slate. The interaction between the Hornfels and Granite has created variably altered rocks, resulting in difficult drilling conditions. The photograph below, taken by one of our engineering geologists, shows the boundary between the Hornfels and Granite, located at 34.25mBGL.
