Background
The funds were secured by the lead institution, the University of Exeter (at the Camborne School of Mines – CSM), based on the Penryn campus, with support from several organisations in the mineral processing sector.
Local businesses Paterson and Cooke, Bluecap Resources, and Petrolab are vital members of the Hub, working in alliance together as active core partners.
The main priority of the Hub is to acquire and manage strategic pieces of equipment that will advance the mineral processing capability of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly critical minerals sector.
The majority of equipment is housed at CSM, with key pieces also held at Paterson & Cooke and Bluecap Resources.
The overall aim of the Hub is to expand Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s (CIoS) technical capability, lower analytical costs and time delays, raise throughput, and accelerate RD&I across the Geo- Resources sector.
It addresses the unique opportunity resulting from the region’s endowment in technology metals (including lithium, tungsten, and tin) and focuses on mineral processing and the opportunities this creates as identified in the 2022 UK Critical Minerals Strategy.
By acquiring and housing state-of-the-art equipment within the essential health and safety infrastructure of the CSM and core partners’ premises, the Hub offers long and short-term opportunities for shared prosperity and economic growth in a rapidly growing market.
Mission
The Critical Minerals Equipment Hub aims to be the ‘go-to’ resource for mineral processing equipment and expertise in CIoS, making the region world-leading in its state-of-the-art knowledge, capabilities, and sustainability advancements.
We will do this by making equipment, expertise and training within the Hub easily accessible to anyone with a commercial or research interest in critical minerals processing.
One Stop Shop
The Critical Minerals Equipment Hub will offer a ‘one-stop shop’ of equipment, expertise and bespoke training to mining exploration firms, consultancies, and researchers in the sector.
Impartial Advice
The Critical Minerals Equipment Hub will extend impartial advice, insights and a clear roadmap to businesses requiring expert guidance.
Fair Prices
The Critical Minerals Equipment Hub will charge a fair market price (adhering to UK government subsidy control regulations) in line with national/international rates.
Training
Present a pro-active approach to upskilling the local (and national/international) workforce by offering training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities.
Networking
Support the wider industry network and community in relation to CMEH activities and events in order to advance the capabilities and reputation of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly region as world-leading.
