A new tin mining operation in Cornwall is using mine water to generate part of the energy required for the operation and is exploring its use in district heat.
Cornish Metals Ltd has commissioned and officially opened a water treatment plant at the site, South Crofty, is about to commence dewatering of the mine. It says the The water discharged from South Crofty is powering a hydro-turbine that generates up to 15% of the power consumed by the water treatment plant. Other renewable heat opportunities are being actively explored to make use of the treated water temperature, which is a steady 25oC all year round and has the potential to heat at
The treated water meets the Company’s permitted standards set by the Environment Agency for discharge into the Red River. Cornish Metals says dewatering the mine and treating the water will have a positive effect on water quality in the Red River, which currently receives untreated mine water as a legacy of past mining activities.