A Yorkshire-based firm has claimed a major scientific breakthrough in the search for sources of lithium, a key component in making electric batteries for the cars that are lined up to replace petrol and diesel vehicles.
Aqualithium, which is based in Wakefield, has said it has found a technique to sustainably extract lithium from seawater, and is working with the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Bath on the technique, the Business Desk reports.
Most lithium titanate batteries are produced overseas and the UK’s entire supply is currently mined thousands of miles away and processed in China, with the long transport distances diminishing the environmental benefits of the material and Chinese control potentially having significant geopolitical implications.
While significant lithium deposits have been fund in the UK, especially in Cornwall, the estimated global onshore supply of 14 million tonnes is expected to run out in 20 years. Even with efficient recycling, this could constrain the number of electric vehicles and other batteries in use.
However, the sea is believed to have as much as 230 billion tonnes, with the seawater being extracted using a solar-powered system.
Company founder Tom Black said: “This is a major milestone for Aqualithium on our journey to find a new and sustainable source of lithium.”
The firm’s board of directors includes some highly experienced names in industry and commerce, including former Centrica director Mike Astell and one-time Porsche CEO Geoff Turral.
Recent developments in onshore lithium production in the UK included a major cash injection by global metals investor Techmet into Cornish Lithium.
The £18 million funding received the approval of Cornish Lithium’s shareholders this week, which means it has immediately received half the some. The remainder will be provided upon completion of a scoping report into the Trelavour Hard Rock Project.
Cornish Lithium will use the funding to establish a new extraction plant and drill boreholes to seek more viable sites.