Mining in Cornwall
The ancient history of mining in Cornwall
Mining in Cornwall has a long history, dating back to around 2000 BC. The region’s unique geology made it a significant hub for metals such as tin and copper, as well as valuable minerals.
During the Bronze Age, the demand for copper and tin surged, as these metals were essential for making bronze – an alloy that was stronger and more durable than pure copper or stone. Bronze’s superior strength and ease of casting made it ideal for producing tools, weapons, and building materials.
By the time of the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 AD, Cornwall’s tin was already a highly sought-after commodity, traded internationally with regions as distant as the Mediterranean. This early trade network positioned Cornwall as a key player in the ancient world’s metal economy.
The boom in Cornish mining
Up until the fifteenth century, mining in Cornwall mostly consisted of ‘streaming’ – a process of searching for metals in riverbeds where they had been naturally deposited. However, the invention of gunpowder in the 1600s revolutionised the industry.
Explosives made it possible to blast through granite to reach deeper and richer ore deposits. This significantly advanced the amount of copper that could be extracted by the 1700s.
Over the next few centuries, Cornwall's mining industry flourished, driving substantial economic growth. The high demand for metals like copper and tin was fueled by the Industrial Revolution, where these resources were essential for machinery, tools, and infrastructure.
In addition to metals, significant deposits of china clay were discovered in the 1700s. This material became highly sought after for the production of fine porcelain. Cornwall's mining industry also saw minerals slate and arsenic being extracted in large quantities.
Did you know?
In order to access deeper reserves, it was necessary to pump water out of the mining pits. This need made mining one of the first industries to adopt steam engines. By the early eighteenth century the first steam engines were being used to pump water and to hoist workers and materials in and out of the mines. Today, the engine house stands as an iconic symbol of Cornish mining, with its distinctive structures still visible across the landscape.
Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site
With the depletion of resources and increasing competition from overseas, Cornish mining began to decline in the 1900s. By 1998, all the mines had closed, with South Crofty being the last to shut its doors. However, the mining structures endured. In 2006, select mining landscapes across Cornwall and West Devon were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Cornish Mining World Heritage Site is the largest industrial World Heritage Site in the UK, covering over 20,000 hectares across Cornwall and West Devon. It consists of ten distinct areas, stretching from St Just in western Cornwall to Tavistock in West Devon. Each area offers visitors a unique glimpse into the region’s mining legacy, combining industrial history with breathtaking landscapes.
Did you know?
Pasties are believed to have originated as lunches for Cornish miners. The thick, crimped crust served as a handle, allowing miners to hold their food without contaminating it with dirt, chemicals, or sediment from the mines. As Cornish miners were renowned for their skills and sought after globally, they took their pasty tradition with them. Today, variations of the Cornish pasty can be found across Europe, Asia, Australasia, and the Americas.
Mining attractions in Cornwall
If you’d like to learn about mining in Cornwall, there are many ways you can discover more. Whether it's taking a scenic stroll through Cornwall’s mining landscapes, visiting an old mine, or a museum it’s a fascinating journey of discovery for the whole family.
Geevor Tin Mine
Geevor Tin Mine, in far West Cornwall, is the last preserved twentieth century Cornish tin mine. Operational from 1911 to 1990, it now allows visitors to explore surface buildings, machinery, and venture underground to see its inner workings. The site also features a museum and shop.
[Wheal Martyn Clay Works](Wheal Martyn Clay Works)
Wheal Martyn, set in 26 acres of woodland near St Austell, is the UK's only China Clay mine. Visitors can explore vintage trucks, an interactive learning centre, and take a virtual clay pit tour. The museum tells the stories of the workers, and a woodland walk leads to the "Pit View" of the still-operational clay pit.
Carnglaze Caverns
Discover Cornwall's only underground slate mine with a self-guided tour of Carnglaze Caverns. Learn how miners once extracted slate, a vital resource during the Industrial Revolution. The site boasts three captivating caves, one of which now holds a breathtaking underground lake.
Levant Mine & Beam Engine
Levant Mine & Beam Engine, perched on cliffs above the Atlantic, is one of Cornwall's most iconic copper and tin mines. Its tunnels extend beneath the ocean, where miners once worked. Visitors can explore some tunnels, visit the museum, and see the 1840’s beam engine in action.
East Pool Mine
Home to two impressive Cornish beam engines in the heart of the World Heritage site, National Trust East Pool Mine also has a Discovery Centre where you can see more mining relics and exhibitions.
King Edward Mine
King Edward Mine is one of the region’s best-preserved historic sites. Once a working tin mine until its closure in 1897, it was later restored by the Camborne School of Mines. Visitors can explore functioning equipment and gain insights from former industry experts at this award-winning museum.
Botallack Mine
Another of Cornwall’s submarine mines, National Trust Botallack Mine was a popular Poldark filming location. Visitors can enjoy stunning ocean views and visit the old Count House, where miners would once have come to collect their wages.
Royal Cornwall Museum
The Royal Cornwall Museum includes exhibits on Cornish mining, spanning from prehistoric times to the present. Not to be missed is its renowned Mineral Collection, regarded as one of the finest in any regional museum across the British Isles.
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