What Does Cornwall’s Mining Future Look Like? Government Ministers Gather at Imerys to Find Out

Published On: 23 May 2025Last Updated: 23 May 2025By

On Thursday 22nd May, Minister for Industry Sarah Jones MP led a round-table discussion on critical minerals at Imerys in Cornwall. The visit was part of her role at the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The round-table brought together key political and industry figures to discuss the future of mining in the region. Joining Sarah were four of Cornwall’s MPs: Noah Law, MP for St Austell and Newquay and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Critical Minerals; Perran Moon, MP for Camborne and Redruth; Jayne Kirkham, MP for Truro and Falmouth; and Anna Gelderd, MP for South East Cornwall.

Industry and education leaders around the table

Stakeholders in attendance included representatives from Imerys British Lithium, Cornish Tin, Cornish Resources, Cornish Lithium and Geothermal Engineering Ltd, alongside academic and business leaders from Camborne School of Mines, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and the Southwest CBI.

Following the meeting, Sarah and the MPs also visited the South Crofty site operated by Cornish Tin and the Port of Falmouth.

A shared vision for Cornwall’s economic future

Noah Law said:
“As Chair of the Critical Minerals APPG, it is great to see such consensus among government and business leaders like Imerys and Cornish Lithium, on how we position Cornwall as a leader in critical mineral production globally, with benefits cascading across our local and national economies.

“The three other Cornwall Labour MPs and I see critical minerals as a key component in our plans to deliver a Cornish Industrial Strategy – driving careers, not jobs; and preventing the brain drain which has blighted Cornwall for years.

“In my constituency, we are privileged to sit atop the heart of Europe’s largest resource of lithium – a vital mineral for the green energy transition. This offers an exciting opportunity to maximise jobs and prosperity – one of my election pledges – and turbocharge our country’s clean energy mission.”

Backing from Government

Sarah Jones described the round-table and site visits as an important part of shaping a new national Critical Minerals Strategy.

“In a changing world, it’s never been so important to have strong supplies of critical minerals. Without them we can’t have renewable energy, AI or a thriving car sector.

“That’s why we’re working with industry to develop a landmark Critical Minerals Strategy that will support the industries of tomorrow and deliver for business. Seeing Cornwall’s thriving mining cluster was vital to help me develop the new Strategy which will deliver good jobs and a stronger economy.”

Imerys committed to Cornwall’s future

Mark Hewson, who leads Imerys in the UK, said:
“We were delighted to host this important discussion alongside key stakeholders from across Cornwall. I’d like to thank Minister Jones and our incredibly supportive local MPs for taking the time to bring this together.

“We are at such an exciting time for our region and this industry. It’s vital that we work together, with Government support, to maximise this opportunity for the local community and economy.”

Imerys has been mining and processing kaolin in Cornwall for over 25 years. The company supports around 3,500 direct and indirect jobs and spends approximately £40 million a year in the local economy. It recently announced an £18 million investment in its dry mining process, which will unlock more reserves and secure operations in the county for decades.

Its lithium arm, Imerys British Lithium, is expected to produce more than 21,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate annually for at least 30 years. The project will be developed using Imerys’ existing land and infrastructure.

The company also takes part in nature restoration, community volunteering, donations and partnership work. To find out more, email imlcomms@imerys.com.

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