Aim-listed tin developer Cornish Metals is making swift progress toward starting commercial production at the South Crofty project in Cornwall, UK, by mid-2028.

Cornish is actively refurbishing shafts, dewatering the flooded underground workings and constructing processing facilities on-site to return Europe's last primary tin mine to operation.

Once in production, the mine will produce about 4 700 t/y of tin in concentrate over a 14-year mine life.

Some notable progressions in the past few months include surface civil works at the Roskear shaft having been completed, the winder house being under construction, a new workshop and stores facility nearing completion and the front-end engineering design (FEED) of the process plant having been completed.

Cornish advises that construction activities for the north and south winders infrastructure are underway to support planned winder mechanical installation in the second half of the year, while excavation at the pre-concentration building is about 50% complete.

The company continues to do dewatering through the fully commissioned 195-level pump station.

Another FEED is being advanced for the underground loading, unloading and hoisting infrastructure.

Cornish has already placed orders for long-lead items such as shaking tables for the process plant and skips and cages for the NCK shaft.

Cornish CEO Don Turvey says he is pleased to report continued strong progress across multiple workstreams at South Crofty. "On surface, our new NCK offices are now operational while construction of the workshop and stores building is nearing completion. Activity at Roskear has also intensified, with erection of the winder house well advanced and early-stage shaft refurbishment starting.

"Further, the completion of the FEED for the process plant marks a significant step in advancing the project," Turvey explains.

He adds that underground activities are also progressing well, particularly development at the 25-level, which is also being used as a training facility for newly recruited employees.

Tin market conditions remain robust with tin prices currently averaging $53 000/t, putting the South Crofty net present value at £500-million. Tin is defined as a critical mineral by the UK, US and Canadian governments. Almost two-thirds of global tin production currently comes from China, Myanmar and Indonesia.