Mining Titans Gather in Cornwall: 45 Teams Set to Battle at King Edward Mine

A historic event celebrating mining traditions and skills

King Edward Mine Museum (KEM) is gearing up to host the 47th Intercollegiate International Mining Games (IMG), welcoming 45 teams from across the world for two days of intense competition on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd March 2025.

After two years of preparation, Camborne School of Mines (CSM) student organisers, KEM’s trustees, and dedicated volunteers have transformed the historic site into a world-class venue for this prestigious mining event.

A Global Contest on Cornish Soil

The competition will see teams from Australia, the USA, Canada, and Germany put their mining skills to the test in a series of gritty, hands-on challenges. Among them, Cornish competitors—including CSM students and alumni—will be determined to defend their performance from last year’s event in Montana, USA.

Events include:

• Jackleg Drilling – Using a Holmans 303 airleg drill to bore into vertical concrete
• Track Laying – Assembling and disassembling a full rail section
• Hand Mucking – Manoeuvring a one-ton ore wagon down a 75-inch track
• Swede Saw – Cutting through thick timber with a 36-inch bow saw
• Gold Panning – Locating five small metal bearings in a pan of dirt and rock
• Hand Drilling – Using a hammer and chisel to drill into concrete
• Surveying – Measuring precise angles and coordinates with a theodolite

📷The CSM Men's Team practicing airleg drilling for the International Mining Games - Image Credit Media Memories Photography

When and Where to Watch

Competitors arrive on Wednesday 19th March, with a Practice Day on Thursday 20th March. The competition itself is split across two days:

• Friday 21st March – Women’s and Co-ed competitions
• Saturday 22nd March – Men’s and Alumni competitions

All events take place from 8am to 4pm, with spectators invited to watch from designated outdoor viewing areas. While the museum will remain closed until Sunday 20th April, there is plenty of parking available at Plantation Field for those attending.

For more details on parking, event locations, and refreshments, visit King Edward Mine’s IMG information page.

A Legacy of Mining and Education

The IMG began in 1978 to honour the 91 miners who died in the Sunshine Mine disaster in the USA in 1972. Over the years, it has grown into a global event, allowing mining students to develop industry skills, connect with tradition, and network with top mining organisations.

This year’s event is backed by major sponsors, including:

• Gold Sponsors – Barminco-Perenti, Cornish Metals, Padley & Venables, Vault Minerals
• Copper Sponsors – Aggregate Industries, Global Mine Design, Herrenknecht, Raptor Tech
• Tin Sponsors – Deswik, CSM Trust, Springbok Drilling, Cambridge In Situ, JR Bowden Digger, MA Construction

KEM trustee Carol Richards highlighted the event’s alignment with the museum’s mission:

“KEM is delighted to host the IMG because it chimes with our twin aims of celebrating Cornwall’s mining industry in ways that increase knowledge and ignite curiosity among people of all ages and backgrounds, and of promoting education in geoscience, geology and mining.”

She also expressed gratitude to sponsors and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to prepare the site:

“We believe there is no better place to spark an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) than in our museum at King Edward Mine, where we provide a unique opportunity to explore a variety of learning objectives within geoscience across primary, secondary and further education settings. Over the next five years, we will grow our engagement to include further STEM provision and the use of our site by Camborne School of Mines (part of the University of Exeter).”

📷The CSM Women's Team practicing airleg drilling for the International Mining Games - Image Credit Media Memories Photography

The Historic King Edward Mine Museum

Located near Troon, Camborne, King Edward Mine Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing Cornwall’s rich mining heritage. The site, part of the Great Flat Lode, is home to a Grade II listed mining complex*, where visitors can explore stories of Cornish miners and see working historic mining equipment, including an operational Cornish tin mill and Holman winding engine.

The museum also looks forward, engaging with Cornwall’s re-emerging mining industry and its role in the UK’s transition to clean energy. With the demand for lithium and battery metals growing, KEM aims to inspire the next generation to be part of Cornwall’s mineral extraction future.

Beyond mining, the museum’s 22-acre site is a haven for wildlife, hosting ecology events, birdwatching sessions, and wildflower trails. Visitors can follow a nature trail and enjoy the site’s peaceful surroundings.

KEM is also actively restoring the historic headframe from Cligga Mine, with installation expected by the end of 2025.

For more information about King Edward Mine Museum, visit their website.

Future Events at King Edward Mine

Beyond the IMG, KEM will host the 6th annual Cornwall Schools Mining Games on 19th June 2025, welcoming Year 8 pupils from Cornish schools to learn about mining skills in a competitive setting.

For those interested in volunteering at KEM, more information is available at King Edward Mine’s volunteering page.

With Cornwall’s rich mining heritage and an international spotlight on KEM, the 47th International Mining Games promises to be an unforgettable event.

📷The KEM Team practicing the mucking event for the International Mining Games - Image Credit Media Memories Photography