After a good start and some digging,they found a viable amount to extract for the new mega lithium battery making plant to be built in Bridgwater.
They have now decided not to dig up any lithium material as there does not seem to be any demand for the EV cars. The mine is not viable so closed with all employees looking for new jobs. Only about 50 though.
I would guess no one is going to build that battery factory now.
Meanwhile, my neighbours new Ford Kuga using Toyota hybrid system continues to break down every 2 weeks with flat 12 volt battery as mine also did until i added solar charging. He is fed up with his 40,000 pound car now but i suspect it might not have much value as the motor trade dont want them to sell. That car is in for more repairs next week, mine is in for recall in April for re-programming. Its a shame as it drives well and i have cured the problem the dealer could not fix but it does look silly having a solar panel stuck in the rear window each time its parked.
My neighbour does 4000 mile a year. I do 7000 mile a year. We have both been told by dealers we must drive at least 10,000 miles a year just to keep the 12 volt battery charging enough so it can be started. Effectively, a car capable of delivering high mpg needs to drive around going nowhere for twice as many miles as you need to. Making it the equivalent of a normal car achieving 25mpg.
I suppose my 2 boys were right to buy a 4.2 litre car and the other bought a 5.7 litre car. They can do 25mpg and always start up.
I may buy a 2.5 litre normally aspirated petrol car this year. Mazda do it with a low powered unit that achieves good fuel consumption and no hybrid system or turbo. Some manufacturers are going back to older ideas making the engines simpler.
I now have to tour around trying out cars for a few Months as i have time.