Cornwall’s South Crofty tin mine set to restart after three decades

Cornwall’s South Crofty tin mine is preparing to resume operations by mid-2028, marking the return of large-scale tin extraction in the region after nearly 30 years. Once a cornerstone of the local economy, the mine was closed and flooded in 1998. Since then, engineers have been working to dewater the shafts and refurbish the underground network. The latest milestone was reached at 350 meters below ground, where a pumping station from the 1950s was found intact despite decades underwater.

The reopening, led by Cornish Metals, is expected to create nearly 300 jobs on-site, with broader benefits extending to more than 1,000 roles across the regional economy. About 80 workers are currently active in the preparation phase, focusing on stabilizing tunnels and installing new equipment. Tin prices, currently at around $35,000 per tonne, significantly outpace the estimated extraction cost of $14,500 per tonne, making the project financially promising. With half of global tin used in soldering electronics and additional demand from packaging and glass production, the mine is positioned to contribute meaningfully to the supply of critical minerals.

South Crofty has been identified as a flagship project within the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy, supported by both government investment and private partners. The mine’s return aligns with broader goals to secure domestic mineral resources essential for clean energy and advanced technologies. For Cornwall, the project represents both an economic boost and the continuation of a centuries-old mining legacy.