Mining in Cornwall

As the demand for clean energy technologies continues to grow, the requirement for minerals such as lithium and cobalt could increase by nearly 500%, by 2050.

Cornwall has a long and successful history of mining and a rich mineral endowment. It offers investment opportunities in the exploration and extraction of many commodities required for the manufacture of clean energy solutions.

Sector and market opportunity

Cornwall’s mining district has an abundance of metal and mineral deposits that are sizeable, accessible and supported by a thriving mining service and supply chain. These technology and base metals found in Cornwall include copper, tin, lithium, cobalt, indium, zinc, tungsten and silver.

The region offers opportunities for investment in extraction of these metals, and within associated supply chain development.

Growth prospects

Global demand for base and high-technology metals is expected to grow significantly, driven by increased demand for materials needed to deliver clean growth ambitions.

Location

Cornwall has a long mining history which has seen the establishment of an extensive mining supply chain. The county has extensive kaolin extraction operations and is developing lithium projects from both brines and hard rock. Investment in the use of tin, copper and geothermal resources is also underway, generating a dynamic cluster of mining expertise.

Cornwall provides access to a local but internationally active mining supply chain with over 100 companies across the mining lifecycle.

Connectivity

Cornwall provides a fully integrated logistics and transport network with direct rail links and flights to major UK and European locations. The region has 7 strategically located ports, including the rail-connected port of Fowey.

Local talent and skills

Cornwall provides access to world class research and skills, with the world-renowned Camborne School of Mines providing a steady stream of industry-ready graduates.

Higher education institutes in Cornwall and Devon also support a pipeline of over 900 graduates per annum, with mining-relevant qualifications.

Research and expertise

The region provides access to world-class mining research at the University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth. R&D programmes such as Deep Digital Cornwall are addressing industry issues including technology, training, sustainability, exploration, extraction and processing.

The Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Centre in Technology Metals aims to revolutionise how crucial metals are extracted, used and reused in clean and digital technologies across the UK.

Enabling clean growth

The global imperative to develop next generation clean growth technologies is driving the demand for high-tech metals. The electric vehicle revolution is also increasing the need for readily available battery-metals.

This demand is expected to exceed the capacity of current mines around the world, creating significant opportunities to source such metals from Cornwall.

Local and national government support

The Cornwall Mining Alliance offers local knowledge and global expertise. Over 100 members can provide services across the mining lifecycle, including exploration, geological analysis, ecological, mineral processing, mining engineering and equipment.

Cornwall Trade and Investment can provide support and assistance, including potential funding support. The team can also connect investors to wider business services, helping them make connections and access talent.