Weardale Lithium has received unanimous approval from Durham County Council to construct the UK’s largest lithium extraction facility in Eastgate, County Durham. This decision marks a significant milestone in the country’s transition towards domestic lithium production, reducing reliance on imports for battery-grade lithium carbonate—a key component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage.
The planned facility, situated on the site of a former cement works demolished over 20 years ago, represents a major regeneration project. By utilizing a brownfield site with existing infrastructure, the project aligns with sustainability goals while supporting local economic development.
A Game-Changer for UK Lithium Supply
Weardale Lithium’s extraction facility will harness geothermal groundwaters beneath the North Pennine Orefield to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate. The company aims to scale production to a minimum of 10,000 tonnes per year, significantly boosting the UK’s lithium supply chain.
The facility will feature an advanced direct lithium extraction (DLE) and carbonisation process, enabling on-site production of high-purity lithium carbonate. This continuous flow demonstration plant will serve as a testing ground for optimizing lithium extraction methods while supplying multiple battery-grade samples for customer validation and offtake agreements.
The project positions Weardale Lithium as a leader in sustainable lithium production, leveraging DLE technology, which is known for its low environmental impact, minimal water usage, and reduced carbon emissions compared to conventional extraction methods. The company has committed to using renewable energy sources wherever feasible to further enhance sustainability.
Economic and Regional Impact
The approval of this project represents a multi-million-pound investment in the regional economy, creating between 20 and 50 jobs during the initial phase, with additional employment opportunities in local construction and supply chains. Once the facility reaches full-scale commercial production, it is expected to generate approximately 125 high-skilled jobs and contribute an estimated £1 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the North East region.
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“We are thrilled to receive planning permission for this pioneering project,” said a spokesperson for Weardale Lithium. “This facility will not only place the UK at the forefront of extraction innovation but also create long-term economic and employment benefits for County Durham and beyond.”
Cutting-Edge Technology and Environmental Considerations
The demonstration facility’s continuous flow trials will differentiate it from other lithium extraction projects, providing real-time data on well performance, reservoir measurement, and DLE efficiency. These trials will also allow for adjustments in extraction methods to ensure optimal lithium recovery rates while maintaining environmental responsibility.
One of the key advantages of the site’s design is its reliance on pipelines rather than road transport to transfer brines from the existing deep, high-specification abstraction well to the processing plant. This approach minimizes tanker traffic on local roads, reduces land use conflicts, and significantly lowers the project’s overall carbon footprint.
Lithium-rich geothermal brines will be extracted using state-of-the-art low-impact pumping systems, with processed brines reinjected into the subsurface to maintain aquifer stability. This closed-loop system further enhances sustainability and ensures minimal disruption to the local environment.
Strengthening the UK’s Battery Supply Chain
The establishment of a domestic extraction facility aligns with the UK government’s push to strengthen local battery supply chains and support electric vehicle manufacturing. With increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries in EVs, consumer electronics, and grid-scale energy storage, the Weardale project is expected to play a critical role in securing a stable and sustainable supply of this essential material.
Moreover, the company’s ability to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate on-site eliminates the need for overseas refining, reducing transportation emissions and contributing to the UK’s net-zero carbon targets.
Future Prospects
Following more than three years of research, feasibility studies, and technological assessments, Weardale Lithium’s planning approval paves the way for full-scale production in the coming years. The company remains committed to engaging with local communities, industry partners, and policymakers to ensure a responsible and economically beneficial rollout of its operations.
With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and regional economic development, Weardale Lithium’s facility is set to become a cornerstone of the UK’s lithium supply strategy, reinforcing the country’s position in the global clean energy transition.
