Confirmation that Jaguar Land Rover owner Tata will build its flagship electric car battery gigafactory in Somerset has been welcomed by Imerys British Lithium and Cornish Lithium.

Based near St Austell in Cornwall, Imerys British Lithium is a newly-formed joint venture company that combines the technology and specialist expertise of British Lithium with the significant resources and global mining stature of Imerys.

With an up-and-running lithium pilot plant in Cornwall and the largest established 161 million tonne Inferred Mineral Resource in the UK, Imerys British Lithium is planning full production by 2028.

Lithium carbonate is an essential component of electric car batteries and, with Jaguar Land Rover’s gigafactory announcement following hot on the heels of Imerys British Lithium’s joint venture, the South West region looks set to become a key part of the UK’s transition to electric car manufacture by 2030.

“We have commenced a fully-funded feasibility study and are planning a production rate of 20,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate each year – enough to meet roughly half of the likely requirement of a 40 GWh gigafactory,” said Imerys British Lithium CEO Andrew Smith.

“The proximity of Jaguar Land Rover’s new gigfactory in Somerset to our base in one of Cornwall’s mining heartlands is another big milestone in establishing an industry that will help achieve the government’s net zero goals. Our technology, based on years of intensive research, has been demonstrated and de-risked by extensive piloting, and we’re well on track to developing a full-scale plant capable of playing a vital role in decarbonising the UK’s economy whilst directly employing up to 350 people.

“Thanks to government support we are seeing the key pieces falling into place and now have both ends of the electrical vehicle supply chain in the South West.”

The Imerys British Lithium partnership benefits from Imerys’ existing mining footprint in Cornwall, its experienced teams, solid infrastructure, and the lithium expertise gained through its EMILI project in France.

“Jaguar Land Rover’s announcement is important in consolidating the South West’s position as a vital player in carbon reduction,” said Mark Hewson, Imerys UK director and IBL director.

“Our mine and processing plant will adhere to the highest social and environmental standards and follow the IRMA Standard – the most demanding global benchmark for responsible mining.”

Jeremy Wrathall, founder and CEO of Cornish Lithium, said: “The announcement of the Tata gigafactory in Somerset represents a significant stride in fortifying the UK’s electric vehicle manufacturing supply chain as the UK develops this vital industry to support its automotive sector. 

“Through our own lithium development projects, we aim to work with the UK automotive supply chain to supply a significant portion of the lithium carbonate or hydroxide required for electric car batteries, diminishing the need for imports, thus reducing the carbon footprint associated with battery manufacturing. 

“This new gigafactory signifies a strategic investment, creating job opportunities, and fostering innovation. 

“We welcome the fact that the government is clearly stepping up efforts to support the electric vehicle and battery supply chain in the UK and are delighted that the new gigafactory will be located in the South West, in close proximity to our Trelavour Lithium project which is scheduled to start production during 2026.

“The journey towards net zero is not only about reducing emissions, but also about building resilient supply chains, and this gigafactory is a remarkable step towards laying the groundwork to achieve that vision in the UK.”