Site 1: Cornish Lithium

Cornish Lithium

TreLith Processing site, St Dennis, Cornwall, PL26 8DY

Materials 

Kaolin - hydrated aluminium silicate

Iron stained Kaolin - hydrated aluminium silicate, iron oxide

Granite -  quartz & feldspar

Methodology 

The team at Cornish Lithium generously guided Lucy around the site allowing her to take several large samples. These sample included decomposed granite, iron stained kaolin & high purity kaolin. 

Diagram of the decomposition of Granite & related samples used for the pigment display & bespoke paint mixtures.

Sample of kaolin (China clay) from the site before processing. 

Views of the site from viewing platform, notice exposed cream coloured kaolin clays.

Iron stained mine water runoff.

Iron stained kaolin cliffs.

Heaps of exposed kaolin in the quarry.

Freshly dug kaolin and organic matter, with iron stained water (sample taken of kaolin).

Left: Diamond drilling bit used to prospect for lithium deposits, with granite core used to pinpoint areas deep in the stratigraphy that contain high levels of lithium (dark grey specks in granite sample) Right: Earliest remnants of mining activity, circa 1800s.

Birds eye view of quarry and infilled pit. (printed map curtesy of Cornish Lithium)