A major project to breathe new life into one of Cornwall's most historic tin mines is making substantial headway, according to the company behind the ambitious revival plan.
Underground Infrastructure Advances
Cornish Metals, which acquired the South Crofty mine near Pool in 2016, has confirmed that refurbishment of a critical pumping station is progressing to schedule. Work on the New Cook's Kitchen mid-shaft pump station has seen the complete removal of old pumps, pipes, and steelwork. The installation of new pumping equipment is now well advanced.
The company stated that this phase of the work is expected to be finished before the end of the year. Once completed, the crucial process of dewatering the historic mine workings will resume, a fundamental step towards making the deep levels accessible again.
Further underground, development has begun at the No. 1 level, approximately 50 metres below the surface. Cornish Metals describes this as an important step that will also provide a practical training platform for newly recruited miners.
Surface Construction Gathers Pace
On the surface, activity is equally brisk. The second phase of excavation for a new pre-concentration plant started in late November. Meanwhile, construction of a new workshop and stores facility at the old Bartles Foundry site is moving forward rapidly.
Bulk excavation, foundations, and steelwork for this building are complete, and the installation of cladding is now underway. Major works on this facility are anticipated to finish by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Additional site infrastructure is also taking shape. New changing room facilities and a canteen were finished in October, with office space expected to be completed in the first three months of next year.
A Vision for the Future
Don Turvey, Chief Executive of Cornish Metals, said the work programme has continued steadily following a successful fundraise completed in the first quarter of this year. He confirmed activities are progressing in line with the company's latest guidance.
The company's long-term vision for South Crofty is becoming clearer. In a September update, Cornish Metals indicated the mine could be operational by mid-2028. Once at full production, the revived mine is projected to generate yearly earnings of around £70 million, providing a significant economic boost for the region.
South Crofty has a storied history, having operated for more than four centuries before its closure in 1998. The shutdown was driven by a combination of falling metal prices and a lack of investment. The current revival effort represents one of the most significant attempts to restore Cornwall's iconic mining heritage to commercial operation.
