Oral Question·Church Commissioners
“To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church of England is taking steps to help ensure that its ownership of mineral rights to lithium in Weardale contributes to economic growth in that area.”
Tabled: 27 March 2025Answered: 3 April 2025
Asked by
Dr Sam Rushworth
Labour — Bishop Auckland
Answering Minister
the Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners
Answer from Hansard
Marsha De Cordova
The Church Commissioners granted an option over its mineral rights in Bishop Aukland to a specialist exploration company, Northern Lithium Ltd, in 2023. It has invested significantly in the local economy, which is expected to increase as exploration continues.