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SOUTH CROFTY DEPOSITS ARE 'WORLD CLASS'. October 2009
John Webster has been recruited by Western United Mines (WUM) to enhance the current exploration programme and ensure that the mine gets back into production within the next two years. A seasoned professional who has worked all over the world since graduating from Camborne School of Mines in 1980, John believes South Crofty has the potential to become an international centre of excellence.
"South Crofty is known for its tin but the truth is it is a polymetallic deposit rich in other metals as well - including copper, zinc and silver," he said. "Our exploration and research is revealing a range of very different ore types - many of which have either not been touched since the 1920s or targeted by previous operators."
Mr Webster explained that WUM was focussing on developing a different style of resources' management based upon production of a range of base metals. This would allow South Crofty to take advantage of fluctuating metal prices 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 alternative metal ratios in the deposit which range from high zinc and copper mineralisation in the higher levels to higher tin content in the deeper workings.
"We are also investigating the occurrence of other economic mineralisation - such as precious metals and lithium - and we will be developing research projects with the Camborne School of Mines on a number of these exciting opportunities."
However, with the quantity of tin used in solders set to change dramatically from 40% tin, 60% lead to 98% tin, 2% silver, the WUM management team believes that a tin boom is coming which they are preparing to take full advantage of.
"Tin is an increasingly valuable commodity thanks to the part it plays in electronics technology," said John. "With few high grade tin projects coming online around the world, demand is highly unlikely to fall."
John Webster's vast expertise in mining has been built up with over 29 years experience in project development, mining operations and corporate management - including senior roles in companies listed on the Canadian, Australian and UK markets.
"John has worked all over the world and is just the person to take South Crofty back into production," said WUM Chief Executive Alan Shoesmith. "The results that we are getting back from our exploration activities indicate that the mine is far richer in terms of both tin and other metal deposits than our original expectations. The future is looking very bright indeed and Cornwall will very soon become a world class base metal producer once more."
The next phase of operations will involve de-watering and WUM is working closely with the Environment Agency to ensure that the process is carried out in line with strict environmental regulations.
"Our tests show that trace element levels in the water at Dolcoath Mine are very low," said John. "We are reviewing iron and other base metal precipitation technology so that, if the contaminant content rises when we are dewatering the lower levels, we can ensure continual clear water discharge from the mining operations."
