The Princess Royal launches new Degree Apprenticeship programme during special visit to Camborne School of Mines
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has been welcomed to the Camborne School of Mines (CSM) by students, staff and representatives from the Cornish community during a special visit.
The Princess Royal toured the mining school to learn more about its vital role in developing the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy, and global sustainable mining, on Wednesday October 4th 2023.
Her Royal Highness visited the mining school’s state of the art laboratories, the pioneering Deep Digital Cornwall exploration suite, and the CSM museum, as well as meeting delegations of current students and staff .
After the tour, The Princess Royal was invited to unveil a special plaque to officially commemorate the opening of the Camborne School of Mines’ new Degree Apprenticeship programme.
The visit comes as Camborne School of Mines celebrates the 135th anniversary if its inception, and 30th anniversary of being located at the University of Exeter, Cornwall.
The Princess Royal was welcomed by President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, Professor Lisa Roberts. Speaking after the event, Professor Roberts said: “We are both deeply honoured and absolutely delighted to welcome Her Royal HighnessThe Princess Royal, to the Camborne School of Mines.
“As well as celebrating the School’s rich and proud history, we were able to showcase the exciting future CSM has at the forefront of sustainable mining and the UK’s critical minerals strategy. We know that mining is integral not just to our modern society, but also to build a greener future for us all.”
During the visit, The Princess Royal was given a unique view of Cornwall’s special mining heritage and future, through a special interactive digital presentation that explores the county’s underground resources and shows up-to-date data on environmental factors in different locations.
Her Royal Highness was then shown the School’s Mineral Processing Laboratory, where students and staff demonstrated how new technology allows sustainable extraction of critical metals from mineral ores.
Professor Pat Foster, Head of Camborne School of Mines and who helped lead the special visit said: “We are extremely proud to have been given the opportunity to welcome The Princess Royal to the Camborne School of Mines.
“CSM is renowned across the global mining industry and leads the way in pioneering new techniques in sustainable mining practices, and sourcing critical minerals required for the transition to net zero. We were honoured to be able to showcase just some of the incredible work being conducted by our staff and students, as well as highlight to integral role CSM has in the Cornish community.”
Since being formed in 1888, Camborne School of Mines has developed an enviable reputation of producing pioneering research, focusing on the key challenges of resource sustainability, environmental production and mine health and safety.
It is recognised as having a global impact on the mining and minerals industry, by training graduates who are now leading the sector in new and exciting ways. It has also built close relationships with local, national and international business, helping to promote advances in sustainable mining, geological exploration and renewable energy.
CSM currently plays a pivotal role in the UK’s strategy to secure the supply chain of critical minerals. Professor Frances Wall, Professor of Applied Mineralogy at the School has previously in an expert panel group to discuss critical mineral supply chains and submitted evidence on critical minerals circular economy research and mining education.
The strategy contains three main actions: to accelerate growth of the UK’s domestic capabilities; collaborate with international partners; and enhance international markets to make them more responsive, transparent and responsible.
