7 interesting facts we uncovered about Geevor Tin Mine

As we carry out our survey work, we get to travel the length and breadth of the UK and see some really interesting places.

Last month we travelled to the historic Geevor Tin Mine in Cornwall where we surveyed the area to support engineers who are designing a new platform.

The structure of the mine intrigued the team and prompted a more in-depth search further into the history of the mine.

Here are 7 interesting facts we uncovered about Geevor Tin Mine.

1.??????Mining began in the area as early as 1791 (well before the tin mine as it’s known today).

2.??????At the turn of the 20th century, a group of Cornish miners came home from South Africa and took up the lease to prospect the mine.

3.??????The shaft was successively deepened eventually reaching its final depth of (480m approx.) in 1975.

4.??????The 1985 ‘tin crisis’ happened as a result of an overnight massive drop in the price of tin from ￡10,000 per tonne to ￡3,400. The Mine eventually closed in 1986.

5.??????In 1987 a rescue program saw the mine reopen for full production.

6.??????By late 1988 a new fluctuation in the tin price eventually resulted in the pumps being switched off in May 1991.

7.??????In 1992 Cornwall County Council purchased the site. Developed into a mining heritage centre to produce much needed jobs.

Since Cornwall County Council acquired the site, much work has been done to develop Geevor Tin Mine into one of the top industrial heritage attractions in the United Kingdom. It’s been a privilege for the UTSS team to work at such a historic site.?