SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS WITH PLAN SAY OWNERS OF SOUTH CROFTY

Managers at Baseresult Holdings Ltd, owners of South Crofty Tin Mine, have formally responded to the Dudnance Lane Implementation Plan (DLIP) Consultation Draft.  In a written document, they state that a number of the structures proposed will, if built, present significant structural problems because of the underlying mine operation.  They also state that proposals for any sustainable urban drainage systems directly above, or close to, mining voids are likely to cause operational, contamination and safety issues for the mine.

The company, which has owned South Crofty since 2001 and has invested millions in preparing the mine for full-scale tin production, is clearly angry that its views as the majority landowner were not soughtwhen early liaison and consultation with ‘key’ stakeholders apparently took place.  It is also annoyed that, in the introductory chapter of the DLIP, reference is made to the South Crofty Geological Study.  The purpose of the study is apparently to provide guidance on the feasibility of commercial mining on the South Crofty site.

‘Given that the mine is already operational and has been for some time – and that our intention to progress to full scale tin mining has always been publicly stated – we find it incredible that the whole of the DLIP seems to have been advanced on the assumption that the results of this study are already known,’ said Kevin Williams, Managing Director.  ‘As owners of South Crofty, we can confirm that the mine is a viable concern.  If it wasn’t, we would certainly not be spending millions of pounds of private money on getting it ready to extract tin.’

The world price of tin has dramatically increased in the last seven years – way beyond the level it was when Baseresult Holdings Ltd bought South Crofty.

‘We bought the mine when the tin price was low. We knew then we could make a profit with the introduction of modern mining methods and practises. Now the tin price has rocketed and stands at around £8,000 per tonne,’ said Mr Williams. ‘There is absolutely no doubt in our minds that South Crofty will soon be injecting millions and millions of pounds into the local economy and creating jobs on a very large scale.  What on earth is the point, then, of spending a great deal of taxpayers money on a development plan that, if it went ahead, would sterilise the minerals that will make this area rich again?  Logic seems to be in very short supply.’

As owners of the majority of the site covered by the DLIP, Baseresult Holdings Ltd has its own proposals for 27 acres of the South Crofty surface area.  A partner company, Crofty Developments Ltd, has submitted outline plans for a mixed use development that would not conflict with mining requirements and that would include about 400 homes, commercial units, a heritage centre, a health centre, a residential care home, an early years nursery, a public house and a modest retail element.  The plans have been the subject of a planning inquiry and the results are expected soon.

If planning permission is awarded, Baseresult says that the DLIP cannot be advanced.  If it is not, the owners will either identify an alternative redevelopment proposal that will be compatible with the ongoing mining operation, or, with the mineral permissions they already have, they will use the whole of the site for mining.

The DLIP acknowledges that none of its three options can be implemented until all of the land the plan covers is secured – either by agreement or otherwise.  For the avoidance of any doubt, Baseresult Holdings Ltd says that it will strenuously resist any attempt to compulsorily purchase their land.

‘We owe it to the people of Camborne, Pool and Redruth – indeed to people throughout Cornwall – to bring tin mining prosperity back to the county,’ said Mr Williams.  ‘Our plans are well advanced and, as activity over the next few months will prove, we are getting ever closer to the moment when all our promises will turn into reality.  We have been, and will continue to be, very serious about all that we are doing.  The DLIP has, on the other hand, been nothing but an expensive waste of time.’

Baseresult’s full response to the DLIP can be found here.......