King Edward Mine Museum (KEM), which forms part of the UNESCO Mining World Heritage Area of Cornwall and is situated on the outskirts of Camborne, welcomed a record number of visitors this summer and is also preparing to host Camborne 2025: the 47th International Intercollegiate Mining Games.
KEM is dedicated to sharing the history of mining on the Great Flat Lode – the mineral-rich body of rock beneath the southern granite slopes of Carn Brea – and the resurgence of Cornish mining as a key driver in the UK’s transition towards clean power and Net Zero.
As a charity, KEM relies on generating revenue from guided tours and school visits, supplemented by retail sales through its shop and its commercial arrangement with the Croust Hut Café.
The IMG was established in 1978 to honour the 91 miners who died in the Sunshine Mine disaster in the USA in 1972. It provides mining students with the chance to connect with the traditional mineral extraction methods of yesteryear as well as gain transferable skills and benefit from career development opportunities.
The competition consists of seven events: Jackleg Drilling, Hand Steeling, Swede Saw, Hand Mucking, Surveying, Track Stand and Gold Panning.
KEM provides the training ground for teams from CSM and looks forward to welcoming them alongside mining schools from the USA, Australia and Europe to participate in Camborne 2025, the 47th edition of this high-profile international competition.
“It is a privilege for us to host the IMG once again on 21st and 22nd March next year, just prior to our summer opening in April, and planning is well underway to transform our site for the occasion,” comments Carol Richards, KEM Trustee.
“The International Intercollegiate Mining Games is an international event that brings together industry leaders, students and graduates,” said CSM alumnus and IMG President for 2024/2025, Joseph McCarthy.
“The 47th IMG will be the third time that the UK and KEM have hosted this prestigious event and following CSM’s outstanding performance in the 2024 games, with our women’s team finishing second and our men’s team placing eighth, we will strive to use our home advantage to best effect!”
