The Cornwall Mining & Geo-Resources Alliance launches! 

Outlining the sector:Cornwall’s Geo-Resources Future

Cornwall is rich in natural resources and expertise, uniquely positioned to lead the way into the next industrial revolution, transitioning from fossil fuels to critical minerals and metals, and geothermal energy.

On the 14th of March at the Eden Project, the Cornwall Mining and Geo-Resource Alliance (CMGA) was launched. Building on the foundations of the Cornwall Mining Alliance it is a dynamic new platform that connects businesses and organisations across the Geo-Resources value chain, with a focus on promotion, collaboration and innovation with a global outlook.

The afternoon event started with a networking lunch, afterwards David Mildren from Gravity Mining, also a CMGA Director started proceedings by giving some insights into the mining industry in Cornwall and why having a strong alliance is important for the sustained growth of the sector. 

CMGA directors, James Strongman from Petrolab and Bryony Halliday from Wheal Jane Consulting, talked through the new structure of the alliance; it’s aims, membership benefits and the future direction. 

Geo-Resources Sector Strengthening Project update

Ola Zawalna-Geer, the Geo-Resources Sector Strengthening Project Manager, presented on the work the University of Exeter led project has done over the last 12 months and how it has culminated in the launch of the new alliance. The project received funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to engage and increase collaboration and investment in the local sector by working with strategic delivery partners (CCMM) and delivery partners (CMA) to provide opportunities for the sector such as events, trade show missions, creation of resources and awareness.   

Supporting the CMGA

This led on to supporting talks from industry, Cornwall Council and Perran Moon MP. Cornish Chamber of Mines and Minerals kicked off by explaining the differences between the two organisations and why they closely align to support each other. Next was Nicola Lloyd from Cornwall Trade & Investment (part of Cornwall Council) who have been working closely with the sector strengthening project team over the past year to provide a unified voice with Council support, especially at Trade events.

Rowan Thorne from Cornwall Resources Ltd gave some insights into their project at Redmoor and how the minerals industry can support the CMGA into the future. We then heard from Jane Charman from Geothermal Engineering Ltd who talked about the fantastic outreach work they do in the local community and the impact it can have on the future workforce.

Will Hugh from Caradon Stone gave a great example of how the sector strengthening funding was instrumental in the growth of their business over the last year, showcasing their products in collaboration with other local businesses on a national scale and increasing their sales.

To finalise the supporters talks, Perran Moon MP for Camborne, Redruth & Hayle inspired the room with his perception of how the Cornish mining and geo-resources industry is vital for the UK’s net zero targets and how he is working hard to ensure Cornwall’s resources are ‘getting a seat at the table’ in UK Parliament. 

Lucy Crane (Cornish Lithium) & John Eyre (North Coast Consulting & CCMM), Rowan Thorne (Cornwall resources Ltd), Will Hugh (Caradon Stone), Nicola Llyod (Cornwall Trade & Investment) and Perran moon MP for Camborne, Redruth & Hayle.

This was followed by a short networking comfort break where people could view exhibition stands brought by current CMA members, sign up to the CMGA through the new website and talk with each other. John Macadams from Earthwords and Caroline Stephenson from The Meadow Barns Learning Centre brought along exhibits to show the work being done in science communication – from walking with dinosaurs to teaching early years classes about geology using art, music and dance. 

After the break, Lucy Crane from Cornish Lithium presented on the collaboration between many companies via the sector strengthening working group ‘Voice’ to create new educational and outreach resources and events for the sector. Over the last 12 months the project has funded and coordinated events such as the Geo-Resources Futures Day, a four-day STEM Camp, Early Years workshops and resources, Careers events and an educational animation. The working groups have provided a vehicle for regular discussion about the education and outreach being done across Cornwall, these groups will continue through the CMGA and many of the outputs can be found on our website here.  

Panel Discussion & 2 minute pitches

A panel discussion followed with John Eyre (CCMM & North Coast Consulting) conveying. The discussion ranged from talking about how exploration companies in the County can utilise and support the local supply chain which already exists to how companies can ensure a future talent pipeline that addresses the current and anticipated skills gaps. Panelists from across the geo-resources landscape included Paul Newcombe from Eden Geothermal Ltd, Owen Mihalop from Cornish Metals, David Goldburn from Holman Wilfley, Alison Allen from Wardell Armstrong International and Francis Wall from the University of Exeter/CSM allowing the conversation to be steered from many different directions. 

The event concluded with 9 local companies providing 2-minuite pitches to the room: 

• Earthwords  
• Critical Minerals Accelerating the Green Economy Centre 
• Absolute Geotechnics 
• Aztek 
• Geevor Tin Mine 
• British Hemp Alliance 
• Project Laboratory 
• BlueCap Resources 
• North Coast Consulting

Sign up to the CMGA today

We were delighted to share the new CMGA website which was launched in the few days before the event and we’re excited to already have businesses and patrons on board. Be sure to register, members benefits include:  

• Directory listing for your business and staff members  
• Training opportunities  
• Access to resources, including Geo-Resources Cluster project outputs
• Promotion of your business/project by submitting news  
• Ability to post job vacancies  

There are also many added benefits to becoming a member including being kept up to date with industry news, networking and outreach events and awareness of funding and collaboration opportunities.  

Please also explore the newly created films Cornish Geo-Resources Hero Film via the Geo-Resources Cluster project showcasing the opportunities in the Cornish Geo-Resources industry for investors, goods and services suppliers and careers. We welcome all to share these films with your networks. 

Register today and help us build a stronger, more connected, and resilient geo-resources sector.