Plans to transform a former County Durham cement works into a lithium production facility have taken another step forward following a £500,000 funding boost.
Weardale Lithium has secured the investment from Business Durham, Durham County Council’s business support service, to progress preparatory works at the former Eastgate cement works in Weardale.
The project, which received planning permission last year, aims to establish the UK’s largest lithium extraction facility, producing battery-grade lithium carbonate from geothermal groundwater.
Once fully operational, the plant is expected to produce at least 12,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate annually and create around 125 jobs, supporting the development of a domestic supply chain for battery manufacturing and other clean energy technologies.
The funding comes from the council’s Eastgate Regeneration and Infrastructure Catalyst Fund, which has been earmarked for the former cement works site for almost two decades following its closure more than 20 years ago.
Bosses say the investment will help bring the disused industrial site back into productive use, while supporting the growth of a new industry in County Durham.
Stewart Dickson, chief executive of Weardale Lithium, said: “This funding is an important step forward in our plans to establish commercial lithium production at Eastgate, and we are grateful to Durham County Council and its Business Durham service for their continued support and commitment to the project.
“The redevelopment of this brownfield site represents a significant opportunity to bring new industrial activity and skilled employment to Weardale, while contributing to the UK’s ambition to develop a secure domestic supply of critical minerals.
“The North East already has a strong automotive and battery manufacturing sector, and our ambition is to establish lithium production in County Durham as an important part of that supply chain.”
The project also aligns with Durham County Council’s commitment to local reindustrialisation, announced earlier this year, which aims to attract investment, create skilled employment and strengthen the county’s industrial economy.
Councillor Kyle Genner, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, environment and police relations at Durham County Council, added: “The Eastgate Regeneration and Infrastructure Catalyst Fund has been earmarked for the former cement works for almost two decades, so it is great to see it finally being used to bring this site back to economic life.
“This new facility will not only give this disused site new purpose, but create secure, local job opportunities for the people of Weardale and the wider county.
“We are therefore extremely pleased to support this scheme, which will help provide impetus for this burgeoning new industry at the heart of Weardale.”
