Critical Minerals: Unlocking the next chapter in Cornwall’s mining sector
Cornwall has a long history of mining, and today those same rocks are home to minerals the UK urgently needs for a greener future. Tin, tungsten and copper are essential for things like electric cars, renewable energy technology and national security.
Through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Good Growth Programme has invested over £13 million to accelerate Cornwall’s Critical Minerals sector. This support is helping major projects move faster, create high‑quality jobs, and strengthen domestic supply chains for the minerals that power clean energy and modern technology.
This short film highlights two of the projects receiving Good Growth support.
Cornwall Resources – Redmoor Project
The Redmoor site near Liskeard contains some of the world’s most promising deposits of tin, copper and tungsten which are all vital for modern low‑carbon technologies.
Good Growth investment has enabled Cornwall Resources to restart exploration work, carry out new drilling, and update the technical studies required to take the project forward.
“We’re very thankful for the Good Growth funding. It will advance the Redmoor project and that can really drive the economy” – Dennis Rowland, Managing Director at Cornwall Resources
Their recent 5,000‑metre drilling programme delivered exceptional tungsten, tin and copper results, confirming the full width of the Redmoor vein system and identifying new mineralised zones for potential resource growth.
Cornish Metals – South Crofty Limited
South Crofty is one of Cornwall’s most historic mines. After closing in the late 1990s, it is now on track to restart tin production in 2028 – a major milestone for Cornwall and the UK.
“When South Crofty eventually goes back into production, we expect it will create approximately 300 direct jobs.” – Fawzi Hanano, Chief Development Officer at Cornish Metals
Good Growth funding has supported early feasibility work, including studies into hoisting options and assessments of whether the Cook’s Shaft site is suitable for development. As the project progresses towards production, the Bartle’s Foundry site is being redeveloped to provide the essential infrastructure the mine will require including purpose-built workshops, stores, changing facilities, a canteen and office space.
Other critical minerals projects supported by the Good Growth Programme
Imerys – Dry Mining Facility Upgrade: Upgrading Imerys’ dry mining capability ensures more efficient, sustainable extraction and processing, supporting high‑value jobs in the St Austell area.
Cornish Lithium – Geothermal Exploration Drilling: Exploration drilling to assess Cornwall’s potential for producing lithium — a key component in electric vehicle batteries — alongside geothermal heat.
Camborne School of Mines – Critical Minerals Equipment Hub: A nationally unique equipment hub that will expand technical capability, lower analytical costs, and accelerate research and innovation across the Geo‑Resources sector.
University of Exeter – Geo-Resources Strategic Sector Strengthening project: Building a coordinated, self‑sustaining Geo‑Resources cluster that supports skills, innovation and responsible resource management.
Supporting Good Growth into the future
Critical Minerals is one of Cornwall’s four distinctive sectors. These are areas where Cornwall has world-leading strengths and the potential to deliver well-paid, high-value jobs. Good Growth investment is helping unlock this potential by supporting responsible modern mining, accelerating research and innovation and strengthening supply chains that are vital to the UK’s clean energy transition.
Cornwall’s mining story continues to evolve, and these projects show how the region is helping to power the technologies and industries of the future.