Mining heritage bid to 'go global'

FOR generations, Cornish mining played a pivotal role powering the world's economy.

Cornish miners and their methods have been exported across the globe from Ireland to Australia.

And now, two years after Cornwall's mining areas gained World Heritage Site status, there are moves to link the scheme to a global network of Cornish mining spots.

Officers at the World Heritage Site office at Cornwall County Council are exploring the possibility. Nick Johnson, the council's Historic Environment Manager, said: "This initiative is very ambitious and may take many years to bring to fruition.

"But when it does, it will widen our audience from regional and national to across the world. There are many examples of iconic engine houses, chapels and miners housing scattered across hard rock mining regions worldwide.

"The existence of a Cornish mining diaspora is well-known in Cornwall, and is regarded as a powerful symbol of Cornwall's sense of identity.

"Countries where significant mining remains and cultural traditions survive include New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Spain, Ireland and Mexico.

"For this initiative to progress, each country would have to put forward a bid for their mining landscape(s) based on the principles of significance, survival and authenticity established by the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. This will take a long time but initial discussions with heritage organisations in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are encouraging."

Mr Johnson said that there was a chance that UK World Heritage Sites may feature as part of the Cultural Olympiad to accompany the Olympic Games being held in the UK in 2012. He said: "This sort of publicity could help in promoting the international character of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.

"With 20 Cornish societies in the UK and 44 in historic mining areas worldwide, the sense of cultural connectivity is alive and well."

Mr Johnson said a Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, including sites across the globe, would be a fitting reminder of the county's place in the world.

Andrew Mitchell, Cornwall County Council's economic portfolio holder, said: "The global reach of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site provides a stunning example of the importance of economic networks."

More than £8.5 million of Objective One money has been invested in more than £23 million worth of projects connected with the World Heritage Site area.

Carleen Kelemen, director of the Objective One Partnership Office, said: "Cornwall's mining legacy is again being used to stimulate business activity, in particular through research and innovation in mining technologies and renewable energy – both with the prospect of global markets."