Refining the Future of Energy – Right Here in Teesside

On Friday 10th July, we were delighted to welcome our local MP, Chris McDonald, to the future home of Tees Valley Lithium located in Billingham at the heart of the Teesside chemical cluster.

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The visit gave the opportunity for the TVL team to explain in detail the plans for our refinery within the context of the established industrial cluster, as well as discussing the key policy priorities for the wider chemicals and process sector, such as ensuring competitive energy costs. As a politician with a background in Teesside industry, Mr McDonald showed a deep interest in the plans for the plant and the opportunities for local supply chain businesses to support the delivery of the project.

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During the visit, Chris also heard from the team and Chairman, Paul Atherley, about the significant progress being made on commercial partnerships with customers and feedstock suppliers. Following the recently announced partnership with Canadian E3 Lithium, there was discussion of the range of domestic and international partnership opportunities the team are working on to secure a diversified lithium supply chain for UK and European customers. The £185 million merchant refinery will be one of Europe’s largest lithium refineries converting high value feedstock with full traceability, including feedstock from recycled sources, into battery grade lithium to support 550,000 electric vehicles annually.

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Following a tour of the site and discussions with the team, Chris described Tees Valley Lithium as “a project of national importance…” in a region “…with the skills, infrastructure and logistics already in place” to support the building of a resilient critical minerals supply chain for the UK and Europe.

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TVL CEO, Vikki Jeckell, commented “We are grateful that Chris made the time to visit and discuss our plans for the Billingham refinery in detail. There has been fantastic local support for the project and it was clear to our team that Chris is passionate about supporting the Teesside chemical and process sector to develop a new generation of opportunity for the area.”

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Tees Valley Lithium has agreed Heads of Terms with Wates Group to progress a Pre-Construction Services Agreement, marking the transition of the Project into its pre-construction phase.

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Wates is a family owned UK contractor with recent experience delivering major industrial facilities, including in the battery industry. Under the forthcoming Pre-Construction Services Agreement, Wates will work alongside the TVL team to advance detailed engineering coordination, construction planning, programme development and cost alignment in preparation for Main Contract execution.

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Transitioning from Development to Execution

With Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) now complete, the Project is moving into structured pre-construction execution. This phase will focus on:

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• Detailed engineering coordination
• Construction methodology development
• Programme integration
• Procurement planning and long-lead equipment coordination

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Early contractor involvement strengthens delivery readiness and enhances certainty around scope, sequencing and construction strategy.

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Pre-construction activities are expected to commence in March 2026.

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Preferred Site Confirmed

Following completion of the FEED study, which evaluated multiple site and tenure options, TVL has selected the 17.2-acre (7 hectare) New Road, Billingham site in Teesside as its preferred location.

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Situated within an established chemical park with access to interconnecting utilities and services, the site provides the scale and infrastructure required for initial production and future expansion up to 100ktpa capacity. No material changes to the previously developed plant design are required.

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Programme Remains Aligned

All core workstreams remain aligned to previously announced timelines.

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Advancing pre-construction and long-lead coordination at this stage positions the Project to support targeted initial equipment deliveries from early 2027.

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Building a Regional Supply Chain

TVL is committed to working with local suppliers and contractors wherever possible. Strong engagement at the Company’s supply chain event last year demonstrated the depth of industrial capability across Teesside, and the Project will continue to prioritise regional expertise as it progresses.

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CEO Comment

Vikki Jeckell, CEO of Tees Valley Lithium, commented:

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“Transitioning into pre-construction marks a significant step forward for the Project. We are now moving from development into disciplined execution planning.

Working with Wates strengthens our delivery capability, and we look forward to collaborating with local suppliers and partners as we advance. This facility represents a major opportunity for the region, for our shareholders and for the wider UK battery materials supply chain.”

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