Imerys Cornwall – Cornish operations invest in innovation and regional development

Kaolin operations in Cornwall, UK, are set to benefit from a major investment project designed to upgrade kaolin processing infrastructure and access new reserves. The £18 million programme will be rolled out over the next two years and includes a £2.1 million contribution from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council is responsible for managing projects funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.

New state-of-the-art dry mining facility

The investment – which represents the largest capital investment for the BA in Europe in recent years –  will be used to fund a new state-of-the-art ‘dry’ mining facility in the Karslake area of Littlejohns Pit in mid-Cornwall. China clay has historically been mined here using a ‘wet’ process, which involves high-pressure water to wash the clay from the granite and form a slurry, which is then transported through pipes to refining and  drying sites. The new beneficiation process with mechanical equipment will use significantly less water and lower Imerys’ electricity consumption in mid-Cornwall by an impressive 10%. 

Equally importantly, building the new dry mining plant will provide access to untapped clay reserves beneath the decommissioned processing plant, effectively extending the life of our Cornish kaolin operations. 

Mark Hewson, who leads Imerys in the UK, emphasizes the importance of the investment for the local economy:

We are absolutely delighted to be receiving this funding, which represents a significant contribution towards the overall investment required. Our Cornish operations support around 3,500 direct and indirect jobs and in addition spend more than £40 million every year in the local economy. By extending the mine life of the Littlejohns pit, the investment will help us to protect local employment and maintain that economic support for many years to come. This project not only underlines our commitment to sustainable mining and innovation, but also to the communities where we operate.

Mark Hewson ,UK Lead, Imerys

Shoring up the lithium project

In parallel with improving existing mining infrastructure, the strength of the project lies in the UK Hub’s ability to maximise the use of its China clay assets to reduce its environmental footprint. In doing so, it will also help pave the way for the lithium project, located in a nearby China clay pit. While kaolin mining will remain a mainstay of the Cornish economy, the lithium project is strategically important to the UK’s transition to net zero.

More about the funding

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund supports delivery of the UK Government’s five national missions, with a focus on empowering local communities, stimulating economic growth, and creating opportunities across all parts of the UK.