UK Government Invests in Cornwall Tin Revival to Boost Industry and Jobs

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Tin mining is set to return to Cornwall as the UK government commits nearly £29 million to reopen the historic South Crofty mine, signalling a major step towards domestic industrial revival and critical mineral independence. The investment is expected to create over 1,300 jobs and contribute to the UK’s net-zero ambitions.

The funding, channelled through the National Wealth Fund (NWF), will support Cornish Metals’ redevelopment of the South Crofty site, which ceased operations in 1998 after over four centuries of activity. The government’s £28.6 million equity stake forms part of a larger £56 million fundraising round aimed at dewatering the mine, refurbishing shafts, and laying the groundwork for full production.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has presented the initiative as a cornerstone of Labour’s industrial strategy. She stated that the investment would deliver high-quality employment in an area long affected by economic neglect and help “kickstart” regional growth. The project is also framed as a contribution to Britain’s strategic autonomy in the supply of critical materials.

Tin is essential to modern technologies, including semiconductors, solar panels, and electric vehicles (EVs). With global supplies heavily reliant on countries such as China, Myanmar, and Indonesia, the UK’s push to establish a domestic source has been described by government and industry leaders as both economically prudent and geopolitically necessary.

Don Turvey, Chief Executive of Cornish Metals, described the South Crofty mine as a strategic national asset capable of supplying responsibly sourced, high-grade tin to the clean energy sector. He emphasised that the mine’s development would not only benefit the UK’s green transition but also rejuvenate the local economy.

John Flint, Chief Executive of the NWF, reinforced the importance of securing domestic sources of critical minerals. He said the investment underlines the fund’s goal to strengthen UK supply chains and stimulate long-term industrial growth.

Local Labour MP Perran Moon welcomed the project, calling it a milestone in restoring Cornwall’s industrial identity. He argued that government backing would build investor confidence and attract further private capital.

Cornish Metals expects production to begin by 2027, with a projected 14-year operational lifespan yielding approximately 49,000 tonnes of tin. The firm is currently seeking the remaining £120 million in funding required to complete construction and begin extraction.

The revival of South Crofty marks a significant shift toward reshoring key industries, aligning with broader national goals of economic resilience and energy transition.