Students from around the world are digging deep to strike for gold at an international mining competition near Camborne.

Four Camborne School of Mines teams alongside two more comprising its alumni are competing against a global field in a series of challenges and events that draw on traditional mining techniques of yesteryear at the 47th Intercollegiate International Mining Games being held at the King Edward Mine Museum in Troon.

Forty teams from six countries, including the United States, Canada, Germany and Australia, are competing in seven demanding events that revive and celebrate the true essence of the industrial heritage of mining.

The events include jackleg drilling, which is drilling into vertical concrete with an airleg drill, track laying that involves setting up and tearing down a section of track and mucking where competitors run a one-tonne ore wagon along a 75-foot track and fill it.

The teams are also competing in swede sawing, which is sewing through a six foot-by-six foot piece of timber with a bow saw and panning that involves finding five flattened ball bearings in a pan full of dirt and rock.

The other events include hand drilling, drilling into concrete using a hammer and chisel as well as surveying using a traditional vernier transit.

The Camborne Sschool of Mines student teams hope to emulate the success of those in 2024 when the women’s side finished second overall, and the men, eighth.

This year’s event will be a special celebration for Cornwall as the Games are hosted by CSM and held at the King Edward Mine Museum in Camborne – the School’s former home from 1897-2004.

Patrick Foster, Head of CSM, said: "We are thrilled to be hosting this year’s International Mining Games for the third time, and welcome a record number of teams from mining schools worldwide to Cornwall for this historic event.

"These students represent the future of the global mining industry at a time when the industry has never been so important in shaping the energy transition. Here they will be showcasing their practical mining skills in a spirit of friendly yet intense competition. I wish all the teams the best of luck and look forward to an event filled with excitement and skill."

The International Mining Games first took place in 1978 to honour the 91 miners who died in the Sunshine Mine disaster of 1972 in Idaho, USA, and to remember miners that have since perished in the line of duty.

The competition aims to keep alive traditional mining techniques, many of which were originally developed in Cornwall. It has evolved and offers talent scouting opportunities for mining companies and companies in related sectors, and a chance to bring together mining students across international borders.

Women’s team captain Emma Parkin said: “We are incredibly proud of all our CSM students participating in the mining games this year, and the hard work they’ve put in preparing themselves and the grounds for competition.

“We are pleased to have been able to enter four teams in our home games and can’t wait to see their dedication pay off with some fantastic results this week.

"As a completely student-run team, the captains are very grateful to the students who have dedicated a huge portion of their spare time to training, preparation and organisation for the event alongside their studies. The students are very much looking forward to welcoming their international counterparts from around the world to Cornwall, and excited to share our CSM traditions whilst learning others.”

The event requires significant coordination and sponsorship, and this year’s president is CSM alumnus Joseph McCarthy, who has orchestrated the event with support from Emma, as his Vice-President, and global and local sponsors.

Mr McCarthy said: “The mining games are a unique opportunity for students studying any of the CSM courses, and we are very excited to welcome friends and colleagues from around the world to Camborne this year.

"The students have come together this year to orchestrate the games with every logistic organised entirely by the students alongside their studies. The mining games are a jewel in the crown for CSM, and it has been a privilege to be in charge of the team. We can’t wait to share our passion and celebrate all the hard work we have invested into this event together.”