Cornish Metals has released details of the latest phase of underground development at the South Crofty tin project in Cornwall, UK, as work continues on key mining infrastructure and dewatering efforts at the historic site.
According to the company, underground operations are advancing across several fronts, including refurbishment of shafts and ongoing engineering design work.
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At the New Cook’s Kitchen (NCK) shaft, dewatering activities are progressing as planned.
The operation is targeting the 400-Level, approximately 730m below surface, in the first half of 2027.
Refurbishment at this shaft includes the removal of the cover, installation of scaffolding and work platforms, and preparation of infrastructure to support both production and service winders.
The company also reported progress in engineering design for these areas, with front-end engineering design (FEED) for loading, unloading and hoisting systems being undertaken by Optimult.
Development at the 25-Level, stemming from the Tuckingmill decline approximately 45m underground, is advancing alongside ongoing employee training.
This area is intended to serve future requirements for rock handling and skip discharge infrastructure, as well as to develop workforce skills ahead of anticipated production.
Early-stage refurbishment has begun at the Roskear shaft, situated 850m west of the NCK shaft.
Work at Roskear includes installing scaffolding and removing the shaft cover, as part of its planned use as the primary ventilation shaft and a secondary emergency exit.
Civil and engineering activities also continue on the surface, but the current update emphasises the steady progress underground.
Pre-production development at the 290-Level, around 530m deep, is currently expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
An underground drilling programme is set to follow shortly after.
Orders have been placed for long-lead items such as skips and cages for the NCK shaft.
The company continues to target operational readiness as development milestones are met underground.
Cornish Metals CEO Don Turvey said: “I am pleased to report continued strong progress across multiple workstreams at South Crofty. On surface, our new NCK offices are now operational, while construction of the workshop and stores building is nearing completion.
“Activity at Roskear has also intensified, with erection of the winder house well advanced and early-stage shaft refurbishment commencing. Further, the completion of FEED for the process plant marks a significant step in advancing the project.”
Favourable market conditions and a tin price of around $53,000/t are currently supporting the economic outlook for the South Crofty project, with the net present value at current market rates estimated to be around £500m ($669.35m).
