Cornish Lithium’s sponsorship will enable the delivery of the flagship Geologize course in Practical Geocommunication to all students and staff members at the Camborne School of Mines over the next year. 

CSM partners with Cornish Lithium to train staff and students in geocommunication

Cornish Lithium, the pioneering mineral exploration company that is leading the development of an environmentally-responsible lithium extraction industry for Cornwall and the UK, has partnered with The University of Exeter to provide geoscience staff and students at the Camborne School of Mines in Penryn with e-training in practical geocommunication.

Geoscience is the study of the earth and its dynamic processes, from geology and energy resources, to palaeontology and climate change.

Minerals such as lithium are essential “facilitators” of the transition to a zero-carbon economy as the world moves to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy. It is therefore vital that the key role played by geoscience in this transition is communicated effectively – as Cornish Lithium’s CEO and Founder, Jeremy Wrathall explains:

“Geocommunication is a new narrative that explains the key role played by environmentally-responsible mineral extraction. It is important that students, academics and industry professionals are equipped with the skills to interpret geoscientific content and to engage with and inspire the general public. This course will enable staff and students from the world-renowned Camborne School of Mines to become powerful advocates for geoscience and help to change perceptions as we transition towards a net zero carbon future; hence we are very proud to partner with them on this key initiative.”

Cornish Lithium’s sponsorship will enable the delivery of the flagship Geologize course in Practical Geocommunication to all students and staff members at the Camborne School of Mines over the next year. The course, developed by acclaimed science communicator, Haydon Mort, is accredited by the Geological Society of London and the European Federation of Geologists. Upon completion of the course, each learner will receive a Continuing Professional Development certificate.

The course has a particular emphasis on climate change and how geoscience can provide the metals and materials necessary to address this global challenge – such as lithium for electric vehicles. It will also offer strategies in support of effective public outreach.

“Given the importance of this work, this course in practical geocommunication will enable modern geoscience practitioners to effectively communicate the vital role that raw materials play in batteries, magnets and other devices that allow renewable energy to replace energy currently derived from fossil fuels,” adds Jeremy Wrathall. “It will therefore help to equip the next generation of geoscientists with the skills they need for success.”

Professor Kip Jeffrey, Head of Camborne School of Mines, said: “We would like to thank Geologize and Cornish Lithium for providing access to the Practical Geocommunication course.  We share their belief in effective public outreach and explaining the importance of geoscience. This will enable staff and students the opportunity to gain accredited communication strategies and create geoscience ambassadors to help change perceptions at a crucial time. We look forward to our continued work with Cornish Lithium and Geologize to prepare our students for the future.”

For further information about Cornish Lithium, visit cornishlithium.com

Date: 24 November 2020