Singers underground as mine prepares to reopen

The sound of music has echoed around a Cornish tin mine which is getting a new lease of life after a group of 21 shanty singers tested out its acoustics.

The Cadgwith Cove Inn Singers performed 25 fathoms (150ft, 45m) below ground at South Crofty in Pool after being given a tour of the mine.

They sang in an area where owner Cornish Metals has been tunnelling to allow ore-handling facilities as it prepares to reopen the mine and create 300 jobs.

Singer Bentley Orchard, who has also worked in mining, said the experience "was phenomenal" and the acoustics "were resounding, reverberating", as if "the old miners were throwing the words back at you".

The invitation followed a gathering at the pub where the singers perform regularly to mark the 28th anniversary since the mine closed.

The Cadgwith Singers had to go down eight at a time in a transport cage to part of the mine where the company has been extracting water and using as a training ground for their next generation of miners.

Cornish Metals ground production manager Steve Tarrant said it was a "steep learning curve" for the next generation of miners being trained there but he was proud of their progress.

The company said the visit "was a wonderful reminder of the traditions that continue to unite our communities".

The government invested £28.6m in 2025 in plans to reopen the mine.

A new workshop and stores facility opened in September 2026, providing maintenance, engineering and storage facilities for the mine.

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