HOPES OF A RETURN TO CORNISH TIN MINING
The promise of a restart for tin mining in Cornwall is long overdue. Chris Matthews reports it could be close
THERE are genuine hopes for a resurgence of mining in Cornwall with drilling set to get underway at another historic mining site as tin prices continue to soar.
Over the last few years the Western Morning News has documented the acquisition, water treatment trials and test drilling of the South Crofty Mine in Pool, which closed in 1998 bringing to an end more than 4,000 years of mining in Cornwall.
Core sampling at South Crofty found the second highest ever grade of tin recorded in a mine and experts say the chances of the mine reopening are “extremely promising”.
Worldwide, tin prices continue to climb which has led to a focus on Cornwall and its exceptional natural underground reserves.
Now, it has been announced that the company that owns South Crofty and holds the mineral rights for over 15,000 hectares throughout Cornwall, will be carrying out a diamond drilling programme in the United Downs Area. Cornish Metals Inc. (formerly known as Strongbow Exploration) owns South Crofty and holds mineral rights for a large area of Gwennap Parish.
The Gwennap Mining District including Poldice, Consolidated Mines and United Mines was once known as ‘the richest square mile to be found anywhere on earth’ thanks to its highly productive copper and tin mines working in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Back in 2019/20 two bore holes were drilled at United Downs, one of which returning promising high grade tin and copper intersections.
Cornish Metals Inc. is keen to find out more about this discovery and is planning to carry out a drilling programme once consultations with landowners and residents have taken place.
It is hoped drilling operations will take place in April of this year.
A Cornish Metals spokesman said: “This drilling program would consist of taking core samples from depths of between 100-300m from surface using ‘diamond drilling’ technology.
“The operations are relatively quiet as there is no percussive drilling (hammering) associated with diamond drilling and the pre-dominant noise is that of the diesel engine powering the drill rig itself.
“Noise surveys are conducted ahead of any drilling activities and noise attenuation screens, such as hay bales, are installed if necessary.
“These are exciting times for mineral exploration in Cornwall. The proposed transition to a low carbon, circular economy will require significant volumes of many metals, in particular tin and copper. Since it was last produced in Cornwall, tin has undergone something of a revolution. The majority of tin production now used in solder for electronic components and semi-conductors, as well as becoming a vital component in touch screen displays and other electronic items.
“Further potential uses for tin are being developed, including as a stabilising component within lithiumion batteries. As such, the price of tin has risen considerably and with an increasing demand for ethically produced metals from mines that have a low environmental impact and which use the latest and safest technology, Cornwall is in an advantageous position to potentially benefit.”
Welcoming the news about drilling at United Downs is local Cornwall Councillor and former miner
Mark Kaczmarek. He said: “The tin price is currently over $25,000 per tonne and the mining exploration interest across Cornwall is growing.
“The growing demand and prices for tin and other metals found here in Cornwall will make many abandoned mining areas viable.
“I’ve been working closely with Cornish Metals for quite a long time and have been doing quite a lot of exploration work around Cornwall. “I’m very excited to see really high grade tin and copper core samples at United Downs, these are exciting times.
“Metal prices are rising and are at an all-time high. People are looking at investing in Cornwall and getting mining going again.
“United Downs has a long history and I would love to see mining in Cornwall restarted but it’d have to be more environmentally friendly, clean mining. The plans were well received by Carharrack Parish Council and the exploration holes would bring no noise or vibrations. So many people have the skills here and others have gone on to mine around the world but would love the chance to come back.