‘Magic beneath the surface’: pioneering geothermal plant launched in Cornwall

Equipment at Geothermal Engineering Ltd, the UK's first geothermal power and lithium production plant. Photograph: Jonny Weeks/The Guardian

Just outside the perimeter fence stand the hulking remains of grand stone engine houses, a testament to Cornwall’s proud tin and copper mining history.

But inside is a shiny new mini power station and lithium extraction plant that is once again accessing rich underground resources in the far south-west of Britain.