Fresh Thinking: The 3-Minute Read. Episode 103

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Here’s your 3-minute quick read version of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro’s podcast Episode 103.
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Fresh Thinking: The Global Legacy of Cornish Mining

with Ian Glacken and Laurie Hassall

What do high-pressure steam engines, tungsten production, and global hard-rock mining techniques have in common? They all trace part of their history back to a small corner of the UK—Cornwall.

In this episode of Fresh Thinking by Snowden Optiro, Executive Consultant Ian Glacken was joined by Laurie Hassall, Senior Consultant and Cornwall local, for a fascinating conversation on the legacy of Cornish mining and its unexpected global impact.

A Mining Industry with Bronze Age Roots

Mining in Cornwall isn’t new—it dates back to the Bronze Age, with Cornish tin exported as far as the Mediterranean. Over thousands of years, Cornwall developed into a world-renowned tin and copper mining region. Its mineral-rich granite batholiths formed ideal conditions for tin mineralisation, supporting a thriving underground mining industry.

The Golden Era: Innovation and Export

Cornish mining peaked during the late 1700s to mid-1800s, shifting between tin and copper production as metal prices and depths of mineralisation changed. But what truly set Cornwall apart was its innovation.

Among its many contributions:

• The high-pressure steam engine, developed by Richard Trevithick, allowed deeper mining by solving the persistent problem of underground water.
• Humphry Davy’s safety lamp improved miner safety.
• The man engine mechanised transport for underground workers.
• And Cornwall’s hard-rock mining techniques became the blueprint for global mining operations.

The Cornish Diaspora

As ore bodies declined and global competition increased, Cornish miners took their expertise overseas. From Australia’s Goldfields to the Americas, Cornish miners were in demand—not just for their skill, but for the practices they brought with them. Laurie recalls working in Kalgoorlie and meeting locals with Cornish heritage, continuing a long legacy of mining migration.

Not Just Tin and Copper: Tungsten and the Future

While tin and copper defined Cornwall’s past, tungsten is part of its more recent story. Once considered a waste product, tungsten became critical for industrial applications. Laurie shared his own experience working at Hemerdon, the UK’s first new metal mine in 45 years, which focused on this valuable resource.

So what’s next for Cornish mining? With rising tin prices and increasing demand for critical minerals, the region’s mining potential is being revisited. Several projects are in development, and Laurie suggests we may see new production within the next decade.

A Lasting Impact

Cornish mining isn’t just an historical footnote—it’s a foundation for modern mining practices. As Laurie puts it, “If you’re going to live anywhere in the UK, live in Cornwall!” It’s a place where mining isn’t just work—it’s woven into the landscape, the culture, and the global story of resource development.

CONTACT:
If you would like to contact either Ian or Laurie, please email them: contact@snowdenoptiro.com

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