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Wheal Jane Earth Science Park: post-mining business regeneration
Published on 26 October 2018
United Kingdom
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
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About this good practice
The Wheal Jane mine was completely closed by 1998.The site plan involves transforming the disused mine site into an environmentally pioneering earth science cluster, attracting international mining and minerals businesses. With existing renewable energy resources, it creates a blueprint for a more sustainable Cornwall, boost the local economy, create local jobs, and remediate the post mining environment.
The owners, Wheal Jane Group, consist of five related businesses; Wheal Jane Ltd, Carnon Contracting, Wheal Jane Laboratory, Wheal Jane Consultancy and the South Crofty Collection.
Businesses work independently or in combination to provide a one-stop-shop consultancy and contracting service covering land, property, construction and all post mining legacy issues. The South Crofty Collection is a unique craft business producing jewellery and gifts made from Cornish tin.
Also on site:
- Wardell Armstrong International,
- Solar energy park
- Active post mining, water treatment plant remediates water released from the mine.
- The tailings depository, now a registered landfill site permitted to receive material from local development projects and remediation schemes.
The businesses have operated for 20 years with UK and Global clients.
The experience, expertise and knowledge of the companies on site covers a wide range of civil engineering, environmental and mining related disciplines.
The owners, Wheal Jane Group, consist of five related businesses; Wheal Jane Ltd, Carnon Contracting, Wheal Jane Laboratory, Wheal Jane Consultancy and the South Crofty Collection.
Businesses work independently or in combination to provide a one-stop-shop consultancy and contracting service covering land, property, construction and all post mining legacy issues. The South Crofty Collection is a unique craft business producing jewellery and gifts made from Cornish tin.
Also on site:
- Wardell Armstrong International,
- Solar energy park
- Active post mining, water treatment plant remediates water released from the mine.
- The tailings depository, now a registered landfill site permitted to receive material from local development projects and remediation schemes.
The businesses have operated for 20 years with UK and Global clients.
The experience, expertise and knowledge of the companies on site covers a wide range of civil engineering, environmental and mining related disciplines.
Resources needed
Circa £3m of EU convergence funding on two construction projects providing office, workshop and laboratory accommodation utilising as match funding to private finance by the site owners.
Evidence of success
All accommodation on site is fully occupied and interest from more tenants is arising. Since the start of the project employment on site has risen from 2 to circa 150. Business activity has enabled on site remediation to continue. The site is providing a live opportunity to explore smart energy applications.
Potential for learning or transfer
A live example of an innovative sustainable approach to post mining remediation, given local constraints and regimes which could be adapted and applied to other similar sites worldwide.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
The Wheal Jane Group
United Kingdom
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly