The Cornwall Mining Alliance (CMA) has been running for many years. Over time, a diverse range of non-mining businesses have joined the alliance, making it a mix of mining, quarrying, stonemasonry, geothermal, critical raw materials businesses, surveying, and consultancies as well as universities. In March 2024, the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) awarded the University of Exeter a grant for a Geo-Resources cluster project to investigate the extent of the cluster in Cornwall, organise events, look at education and careers, and bring together the many people, businesses, and educators. GEL was part of the project, predominantly working within the “Voices” sub-project, concentrating on communication and education.
The Geo-Resources project was a huge success and culminated in the merger between the Cornwall Mining Alliance and the University of Exeter’s Geo-Resources Cluster Project to form the Cornwall Mining & Geo-Resources Alliance (CMGA), officially bringing together industry professionals that are working together to strengthen Cornwall’s position as a global leader in the geo-resources sector.
On 14 March 2025, the CMGA celebrated its official launch at the Eden Project. The afternoon consisted of talks from a range of industry experts as well as MP for Camborne, Redruth & Hayle, Perran Moon, and our very own Community Engagement and Education Manager, Jane Charman. Jane gave a short update on the United Downs geothermal power project, then focused on the importance of community engagement to ensure as many people as possible know about the amazing work being carried out in Cornwall. Jane also explained why it is the responsibility of everyone within the cluster to work with young people to inform them about the current and future jobs that will be available to them, not only in the mining and Geo-Resources sectors but also in related sectors such as local authorities planning departments, conservation and construction. The talk culminated in a reminder that we all need to listen to young people as they will one day take over from all of us, and they have some of the most novel and innovative ideas just waiting to be developed. The whole event was full of positivity and optimism. GEL is looking forward to being a part of the CMGA and collaborating with other members to ensure our ever-expanding industry, right here in Cornwall, continues to prosper.
Visit the CMGA website here: http://cmga.org.uk
Link to YouTube CMGA video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU5wdUS_Zy8
