THE second phase of restoration works at the Grade II Listed Tolgus Mill are well underway, with support from Cornwall Gold’s newly launched ‘Friends of Tolgus’ volunteer scheme.

As the last original tin stream works in Europe, Tolgus Mill is a piece of Cornish heritage which Cornwall Gold are committed to preserve for future generations. 2024 saw the successful completion of roof restoration works with increased visitor numbers and growing interest in the attraction.

Needing more pairs of hands to continue with the essential maintenance and restoration work, Cornwall Gold formed ‘Friends of Tolgus’, calling out for passionate volunteers to help support their ongoing efforts. With several dedicated individuals already signed up, work is well underway as they help to restore the mill with their skills and time, ensuring it lives on for generations to come.

Their efforts are led by the Cornwall Gold team who are designing a newly curated route through the mill in 2025, returning the mill to its original layout. This will allow visitors to follow the process of smashing, separating and purifying as they explore the mill as well as viewing the machinery more closely. To complement this, the Holman shaking tables will also receive some attention, ensuring that they are all brought back to life in the near future.

Cornwall Gold have also reintroduced their popular mill tours, allowing visitors to join a ‘Friends of Tolgus’ volunteer who will walk them through the new route. Providing plenty of opportunities to ask questions, learn more about the mill and unpick elements of an often-complicated tin streaming process, the tours hopes to bring Tolgus Mill back to life.

Mike Taylor, managing director at Cornwall Gold, explains: “Restoring and maintaining our Tolgus Mill has always been a challenge due to ongoing costs for specialist materials, the need for rare expertise and the Grade II Listed Status.

“We do not receive any funding so rely on funds from the sales of our stunning Tolgus jewellery collection as well as contributions, of both time and money, both of which are gratefully received. Our ‘Friends of Tolgus’ scheme has been hugely popular, and we are delighted to be able to continue with the mill’s restoration, helping to keep Tolgus Mill alive.”