A company is asking the public to invest in the future of Cornwall's mining industry.

Cornish Lithium has announced a crowdfunding campaign to fund digital exploration of potential sources of the metal underneath existing mines.

It says that lithium is "fast-becoming a vital commodity in the 21st century" due to its increasing use in electric vehicle and mobile phone batteries.

CEO Jeremy Wrathall said: "“Having gained a comprehensive understanding of Cornish geology and secured an extensive portfolio of agreements with mineral rights holders to explore for lithium and other battery metals in Cornwall, we are ideally placed to assess the economic viability of lithium extraction in the county.

"A successful crowdfund would enable us to take our exploration programme to the next level.

“We believe this to be the first UK crowdfund in the mining sector and I am delighted to offer eligible investors the opportunity to play a part in what could become a significant new mineral extraction industry for Cornwall.”

The company is aiming to raise £1 million through the platform Crowdcube.

Jeremy Wrathall said: “This is not just an opportunity for savvy corporate investors, it is a chance for the people of Cornwall, who are rightly proud of their county’s heritage as a producer of tin and copper, to share in the potential of lithium extraction in the 21st century.

“As a local company, we hold the support of local people in high regard, and with a minimum investment of just £10, this crowdfund provides an accessible opportunity for everyone in our local community.

“There are risks associated with any investment and at this relatively early stage, there is no guarantee of success, but we strongly believe in the potential of lithium extraction in the county and look forward to welcoming new, as well as seasoned, investors to join us on the exciting journey ahead.”

To find out more about Cornish Lithium’s crowdfunding campaign, visit crowdcube.com/companies/cornish-lithium-ltd/pitches/lm2ndZ.