Imerys halts Cornwall lithium project to prioritize French development
Imerys has paused its lithium project in Cornwall to focus on a more advanced site in France. The company aims to prioritize its French operations for now.
Insights:
Imerys S.A. announced on February 19, 2026, that it has suspended active development of the Imerys British Lithium project in Cornwall, Britain 
GB, and placed it on care and maintenance. The company is reallocating its development focus and resources to the more advanced Emili project in central France 
FR. This strategic shift was made public as part of the company's annual results reporting.
GB, and placed it on care and maintenance. The company is reallocating its development focus and resources to the more advanced Emili project in central France FR. This strategic shift was made public as part of the company's annual results reporting.The decision represents a company-level reallocation of planned project development and intended lithium production capacity. The Cornwall project had targeted an annual output of over 20,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate. In contrast, the Emili project targets a production capacity of 34,000 tonnes per year of lithium hydroxide, with operations expected to commence in 2030.
