The Cornwall Mining & Geo-Resources Alliance launched
the launch of the The Cornwall Mining & Geo-Resources Alliance has been officially celebrated.
The recent launch of the Cornwall Mining & Geo-Resources Alliance (CMGA), at the Eden Project, in Cornwall, has marked a major milestone for the sector.
The event brought together more than 80 people working in the sector and key supporters, including MP Perran Moon, Cornwall Trade & Investment and the Cornish Chamber of Mines and Minerals. Industry speakers from Cornwall’s geo-resources sector also shared valuable insights on the future of mining and resource management in the region.
David Mildren from Gravity Mining, also a CMGA Director opened proceedings by giving insights into the mining industry in Cornwall, and why having a strong alliance is important for the sustained growth of the sector.
Ola Zawalna-Geer, the Geo-Resources Sector Strengthening Project Manager, then presented on the work the University of Exeter-led project has done over the last 12 months. culminating 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 such as events, trade show missions, creation of resources and awareness.
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.
This led on to supporting talks from industry, Cornwall Council and Perran Moon MP. Cornish Chamber of Mines and Minerals began 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 worked closely with the sector strengthening project team 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, before Jane Charman from Geothermal Engineering Ltd talked about the outreach work 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.
Perran Moon, MP for Camborne, Redruth & Hayle, then gave his perception of how the Cornish mining and geo-resources industry is vital for the UK’s net zero targets.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 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.
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.
Panellists were from across the geo-resources landscape including 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 eight local companies – Earthwords Critical Minerals Accelerating the Green Economy Centre, Absolute Geotechnics, Aztek, Geevor Tin Mine, British Hemp Alliance, Project Laboratory, and BlueCap Resources – providing 2-minuite pitches to the room.
We were delighted to share the new CMGA website—registration is now open, 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 and the
- 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.
Register today and help build a stronger, more connected, and resilient geo-resources sector.
The University of Exeter has been commissioned to deliver the project with delivery partner Cornish Chamber of Mines and Minerals and strategic partner Cornwall Mining Alliance. This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council has been chosen by Government as a Lead Authority for the fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
