Over the last few years, there has been discovery and exploration of a huge lithium deposit right underneath our feet in North West Durham. For the first time, lithium carbonate has been produced following successful extraction right here in Weardale.
It is rumoured this may be one of Britain’s biggest lithium deposits so this is huge news. Lithium is one of the most useful, and valuable elements for everyday life.
While it is used for a huge variety of things from glass and ceramics production to steel and aluminium production the most important use of lithium is in rechargeable batteries. Without it we wouldn’t be able to make mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras, electric cars and so much more.
If they can pull this off it has the potential to be transformational for our area with tons of private investment set to pour into North West Durham. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.