In the next Climate Focus event, we will be hearing about the opportunities and challenges of modern-day mining to extract minerals and heat to service our decarbonisation commitment here in Cornwall.
Cornwall has a rich history of mining, stretching back as far as the Bronze Age and reaching its peak in the nineteenth century, whose engine houses are a symbol of Cornish heritage. Cornwall’s unique geology – the bedrock is a large body of granite called the Cornubian Batholith which stretches from Dartmoor to the Isles of Scilly – provided minerals such as tin and copper. For years, Cornwall was at the cutting edge of mining technology, which spread all over the world.
Now we are looking at the opportunities presented by modern-day mining and other mineral extraction – and the challenges. What will be the impact on nature and the environment? How will Cornish communities be affected by new mining projects?
The Cornubian Batholith contains rare earth metals such as lithium which are going to be essential in our transition to a greener economy and work towards our Net Zero goal. It also contains high concentrations of heat-producing radionuclides such as Potassium, Uranium and Thorium that release heat and give Cornwall geothermal potential. Can we benefit from these minerals without damaging the local environment?
Derek says:
“The subject of modern-day mining to extract minerals to service our decarbonisation commitment is a curious and interesting debate, and is not fully understood by the broader public.
“Modern-day mining is not the same as mining in the past – but is it so much cleaner than we should accept it?
“We need to look at the benefits to the environment, as well as the costs, as this new industry grows.”
The Climate Focus event is being held via Zoom on Thursday 19 May at 5pm.
You can join the call here:
https://parliament-uk.zoom.us/j/62538548314
Meeting ID: 625 3854 8314
Passcode: 272330