FRESH FACE OF CORNISH MINING

WHEN it came to choosing a work-placement position one Bristol schoolboy just wasn’t satisfied with the usual professions.  He believes his future, and probably the future of many others in Cornwall, lies in mining.

As 16-year old Alex May’s fellow sixth-form pupils from Queen Elizabeth Hospital School set off to the usual office based work-experience he headed West to the South Crofty tin mine in Redruth, Cornwall.

During his five-day placement he has learned about drilling, charging and blasting with the operational services team underground, geological mapping, surveying and radon detection with the technical services department above ground.

“I’ve done lots of reading and internet research about mining in the last few years and have been particularly interested in South Crofty as it restarts its tin extraction process,” said Alex.

“There was an open day here last summer and I persuaded my dad to bring me down. That trip just fuelled my enthusiasm so when it came to finding a work placement I wrote to Kevin Williams, the managing director at South Crofty, asking if he could help me. He has been extremely supportive and the experience I have had has been invaluable. This is the only place in the country I could have had these experiences.”

Alex explained that he has been interested in geology for years and, having chosen to take A levels in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Maths, decided a career in mining engineering is his goal.

After completing his A Level exams next year he is hoping to win a place at the Camborne School of Mines and ideally would love to become part of the South Crofty mining team in the future.

Kevin Williams said: “I remember Alex coming to the South Crofty open day last year. I talked to dozens of people but he asked so many questions. He was so much more curious and inquisitive than someone with just a passing interest and certainly had a sound knowledge of mining.

“I was delighted to offer him work-experience. It’s been great having him around and I would love to offer him a job in the future. Alex’s enthusiasm confirms my conviction that youngsters will come back into the industry!”

Baseresult, the company which owns South Crofty Tin Mine is continuing to make good progress towards full tin extraction.