KEY POINTS
- Unmapped ancient tin mine discovered during Cornwall roadwork.
- Tin mining in Cornwall dates back to 2100 BC and peaked in the 19th century.
- Cornish Metals aims to reopen the South Crofty mine by 2027.
Construction workers in Cornwall have made a surprising discovery: an unmapped ancient tin mine, unearthed during roadwork for the new St Austell to A30 link road. This find highlights Cornwall’s deep-rooted mining history.
Hidden mine uncovered during roadwork
A significant and unexpected discovery was made when a construction team working on the new St Austell to A30 link road stumbled upon an unmapped ancient tin mine.
The entrance to this mine, measuring around 10 meters (32 feet) long, has created excitement among local archaeologists and historians alike. The visible opening leads to a dark, seemingly endless crevice, which experts believe could be the start of a deeper mine shaft.
The Cornwall Council issued a statement confirming the discovery and explaining that the find is not entirely unusual, given the region’s extensive mining history.
According to a spokesperson, “Given Cornwall’s rich mining history, it’s not uncommon to discover unmapped mining features during construction. We have recently uncovered two such features along the route, and investigations are underway to determine the best course of remediation.”
While these mining features often surface during projects, the discovery of this ancient tin mine has captured the imagination of locals, as it could be linked to one of the most important industries in Cornwall’s history.
Cornwall’s mining legacy
Tin mining in Cornwall is believed to have started as early as 2100 BC, during the Bronze Age, when the demand for tin and copper surged. According to Mining.com, the region’s geology, rich with mineral deposits, allowed it to develop into one of the world’s most important mining centers by the 19th century.
At its peak, Cornwall was responsible for two-thirds of global tin production, making it a major player in the global metals market.
This recent discovery is yet another reminder of Cornwall’s past as a hub for the tin and copper industries. Throughout the 19th century, Cornwall was the world’s leading producer of tin, copper, and other base metals.
Mining continued in the region for centuries, with tin production only declining in the 20th century as global competition increased, and market conditions worsened.
By 1998, South Crofty, the last tin mine in Cornwall and the last in Europe, shut down after over 400 years of near-continuous operation. However, the discovery of unmapped mines like this one underscores the historical importance of the region’s mining industry and keeps the legacy alive.
