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MINING AND GEOLOGY STUDENTS FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SOUTH CROFTY. February 2010
More than 150 CSM students and staff turned up to the special evening lecture to hear John Webster talk about what was happening at the mine, what the mineral deposits were like and what would be happening in the future. He also told them about the planned introduction of exploratory surface drilling equipment and about current and future working practices at the mine.
"South Crofty is known for its tin but the truth is it is rich in other deposits as well - including copper, zinc and silver," John told his audience. "Our exploration and research is revealing a range of very different ore types - many of which were never looked at or have not been touched since the 1920s."
He went on to explain that the wealth of minerals available meant that South Crofty, which is owned by Western United Mines, would be in a position to take advantage a range of mineral commodities rather than being at the mercy of tin prices.
"By adopting a polymetallic approach, we can stay one step ahead. If the tin price goes down we will focus on an alternative deposit from the mine's abundant range," he said. "Not that I believe it will go down. On the contrary, I believe a tin boom is coming - especially given the increasingly prominent role it plays in technology and the fact that the quantity of tin used in solders is set to change dramatically from 40% tin, 60% lead to 98% tin, 2% silver."
John's presentation was followed by a vibrant question and answer session that covered a variety of topics including the depth of future declines, water treatment, deposit analysis, funding and the software used to undertake mine mapping.
"It was a really interesting lecture," said Matthew Cross, a postgraduate mining geologist from Norfolk. "There was lots of useful information about how South Crofty is progressing and what will be happening there in the future."
Tom Crossman, from Cornwall, who is studying for a Masters degree in Mining Geology, agreed.
"The presentation was precise and to the point and John's relaxed approach made it entertaining and informative," he said. "It was fascinating to hear about all the developments."
