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Britain’s Hemerdon mine. Photo: Google Images
Excavation work has started at what is said to be Britain’s first metals mine in nearly half a century.
The Drakelands mine in Devon will boost local employment by exploiting one of the world’s largest tungsten resources.
Demand for tungsten, used in making super-hard steel, is increasing as China, which produces more than 80% of the world’s supply, limits its export.
The new mine, operated by Australian metals company Wolf Minerals (ASX:WLF), is expected to produce 3,500 tonnes of tungsten concentrate per year, roughly 3.5% of forecast global demand.
The mine on the outskirts of Dartmoor is also seen creating 200 jobs. While some in the area are unhappy about the idea of a large-scale open pit mine in their back yard, many welcome the development amid declining employment in farming, shipyards and fishing ports.
Operations manager Jeff Harrison told British newspaper The Guardian that most people have been supportive.
“They want us to do it right, they want us to restore the site once mining is complete, but most see that this will bring benefits to a community that needs it,” the paper quoted Harrison as saying.
The mine site, formerly known as Hemerdon, has long been exploited, with evidence of mining activity dating back to the Bronze Age.
Work there stopped after World War II, during which tungsten was needed for ammunition. But rising tungsten prices now make reviving the mine viable.
5 Comments
Mark Harder
For how long is the mine expected to be producing?
Ash
10 LOM and maybe an extension UG
Sergo Cusiani
If the mine bears evidence of mining in the Bronze Age, the local government should make sure the evidence not having been damaged. Hardly Wolf Minerals of Australia would care about historical value of Britain.
Steve Treloar
What the hell were they doing with Tungsten in the Bronze Age? They couldn’t smelt it; they didn’t need light bulbs or hardened munitions, so was it used for? Or is the mine site or area part of some larger polymetalic mineralised system?
EDIT: That’ll learn me. Tungsten/Tin project; 3500 tonnes and 350 tonnes per annum respectively. The Tin explains the Bronze Age mining. Where did the copper come from?
Dave
I was under the impression that between the wars just about the only market for tungsten was to make light bulbs. Then German shells began penetrating the allies’ tanks in N.Africa. It was discovered then that the Bosch were using tungsten carbide tips on their shells. Winston says “Find the mines and destroy them!” Answer from nicely dressed gent, “Can’t do that sir.” ” Why not?” says Winston. Answer; “The tungsten came from Devon sir, here in England sir. The Germans said they’d take any we didn’t need, so we sold it to them until the war started. Should I see if we have any left sir?”
Something like that anyway…