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Kerrier: AMERICANS VISIT SOUTH CROFTY

American military personnel experienced life underground when they visited South Crofty tin mine in Pool last week.


Accompanied by their families, the US Navy contingent from the Joint Maritime Facility (JMF) at St Mawgan, near Newquay, explored the tunnels and saw the ore that has provided employment and prosperity for generations of Cornish tin miners.

The trip was organised by Sue Handford, British American Community Relations Adviser for the JMF.

‘The Americans stationed at St Mawgan are very keen to integrate into the local community as much as possible during their stay here and, since Cornish mining is such an important part of our heritage, they wanted to see the mine for themselves,’ said Sue. ‘The visit was a huge success and everyone enjoyed themselves.’

Kevin Williams, Managing Director of Baseresult Holdings Ltd – the company that owns the mine – guided the American party through the tunnels. Pointing out that the mine still has an 80 year working future, he showed them examples of the abundant mineral deposits and spoke of his company’s plans to start extracting tin again within the next two years.

‘They seemed really interested,’ he said. ‘It was great to have them here.’

For further information about South Crofty underground tours, please ring 01209 715777.