Imerys and British Lithium Announce Joint Venture to Produce Lithium Carbonate for Electric Vehicles

A joint mining venture between Imerys and British Lithium in Cornwall, UK, aims to produce enough Lithium carbonate to power 500,000 electric vehicles annually by the end of the decade.

The venture will cost "hundreds of millions" of investment and is expected to begin production in late 2028.

The project will meet roughly two-thirds of Britain's estimated battery demand by 2030, reducing dependence on imports of critical raw materials.

However, the UK still falls behind in meeting minimum needs to combat climate change.

The collapse of BritishVolt start-up intensified worries that the UK is falling behind in meeting minimum needs.

The project will create the first fully integrated regional electrical vehicle value chain.

The UK government welcomed the joint venture, but it does not mean the country will be self-sufficient in battery production.

The rule of origin for electric vehicles due in 2023 may add costs to consumers across Europe unless tariffs are delayed.