The Cornwall Schools Mining Games is an annual competition organised by the King Edward Mine Museum, that engages students from various schools across Cornwall in activities related to mining. The event is organised to celebrate Cornwall’s rich mining history as recognised in its World Heritage status, and to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields among secondary school learners.
The event includes 6 activities designed to test students’ knowledge and skills in mining-related tasks as well as their team work, support, listening and collaboration. Activities included hand steeling, panning, mucking, mineral separation, surveying and sawing.
10 schools from across Cornwall participated in 2025’s event, with 17 teams composed of students from year 8. This equated to 125 students and 30 members of school staff. 1st place went to Truro School who win the prestigious Kurt Jackson trophy, 2nd place to Helston School, and 3rd place to Pool Academy. All pupils also went home with a CSMG 25 medal to mark their participation, dedication and effort.
Students also got the chance to watch an International Mining Games mucking demo generously performed by Camborne School of Mines students which further inspired the attending youngsters.
Images: King Edward Mine Museum