London – 10 January 2024: Women in Mining UK 2023 Summer Internship at Cornish Lithium– Waad Ebrahim
Written by: Waad Ebrahim
As a woman coming from a culture that made it very difficult – if not impossible – for women to work in the field of exploration geology, I consider myself very lucky to have been offered the opportunity to spend a two-month internship working as an exploration geologist at Cornish Lithium. Cornish Lithium is a pioneering company that aims to establish a strong, sustainable, and environmentally responsible extraction industry in the UK to aid the transition toward green energy.
Over the course of these two months, I had the privilege of working with the team on the United Downs Geothermal Waters project, based in the Redruth area of Cornwall. Cornwall boasts a rich mining heritage that traces its roots back to the Bronze Age, making it one of the most geologically promising regions in the UK.
During my time there, I had the chance to work on the Blackwater project. This project taught me a lot about the process of extracting lithium from geothermal brines, from data collection and analysis to drilling and various testing and sampling processes. This not only expanded my knowledge but also allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the company’s goals. During the first month, my role involved carrying out day-to-day core logging, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting geological data from core samples to make informed decisions while ensuring that all core logging activities adhered to safety and environmental regulations. I also gained hands- on experience in groundwater monitoring wells, taking groundwater samples, and managing subsequent data.
I was fortunate to work during the phase that involved processes like water sample collection, and I played role in executing various hydrogeological tests, such as the Airlift test, Packer test, and Pumping testing. Additionally, I became aware of other activities occurring at different phases of mining projects, including planning and permitting applications, procedures, and risk assessments, site preparation, wireline geophysics analysis, landowner engagement, geological modeling, data analysis, factual reporting, evaluation, improvement, and resource modeling. I was able to actively participate in meetings and different activities organized and facilitated by my amazing team colleagues and supervisors. I was introduced to and trained in relevant software resources like Leapfrog.
The opportunity I had to closely examine previous project report, in addition to the experience and knowledge I acquired during this period, provided me with new insights into very different geological processes related to local natural resources in the area, including the novel field of geothermal exploration. Because of this, I acquired a new set of skills that I would never have accessed in my home country due to differences in geology and advanced technology.
Coming from a background primarily concerned with gold mining, this internship has reshaped my career orientation toward the different field of lithium mining and extraction. I am now better equipped to participate in the transition to green energy and contribute to the UK’s journey to net-zero carbon emissions.
The team was extraordinary, with a mix of experienced and young geologists under the supervision and guidance of Adam Matthews, whose unwavering support and mentorship
enriched my experience. We also received continuous support from the head of Geothermal Lithium, Mike Round. All my colleagues were exceptional to collaborate with. I was impressed with the positive, inclusive, and supportive culture of the company as a whole, which helped me feel like a member of the team from day one and made it an enriching and invaluable experience
I extend my heartfelt gratitude and endless thanks to WIM-UK and their Cornish Lithium partners for this opportunity, which will have a great, positive impact on my career development in the UK, and to appreciate their efforts toward a more inclusive and gender-equal mining industry.