VOLUNTEER guides are needed to deal with an increase of visitors to King Edward Mine Museum (KEM) near Camborne.

Part of the UNESCO Mining World Heritage Area of Cornwall, KEM bucked the trend in 2024 with a 30 per cent uplift in visitor numbers, many of whom travelled from overseas to marvel at the heritage asset.

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.

Set within a Grade II* listed mining complex near Troon village, it maintains and operates a collection of functioning historic mining equipment, including an operational Cornish tin mill and Holman winding engine; and houses thousands of items of historical interest from photographs and documents to rare clothing worn by bal maidens.

KEM also looks ahead to the resurgence of Cornish mining as a key driver in the UK’s transition towards clean power and Net Zero, with a focus on the environmentally responsible extraction of lithium and other battery metals for electric cars, rechargeable electronic devices and renewable power storage.

Demand for guided tours was such last year that four-day opening (Sunday to Thursday) was extended to five with the addition of Saturdays.

KEM trustee Carol Richards said: “That became our busiest day, so we are planning new initiatives for the 2025 season to make us even more attractive as a destination for families and community groups.”

These include the production of a recorded commentary and revised leaflet for those who prefer to self-guide.

Carol said: “This will free up volunteers to host more guided tours at peak times. With growing interest in the Industrial Revolution and in the resurgence of modern-day mining in Cornwall, KEM has a compelling tale to tell.”

New signage will explain traditional mining methods and highlighting the restoration of one of the last wooden headframes in the county, which KEM plans to erect over its main mineshaft later this year.

As a charity, KEM relies on revenue from guided tours and school visits, retail sales through its shop (which will be seeking a new volunteer shop manager for 2026) and a commercial arrangement with the Croust Hut Café, which is open year-round and popular with ramblers, dog walkers and community groups.

Its 22-acre site, untouched by farming, has become a haven for wildlife, birds, bats and wildflowers which can be explored via a nature trail and summer ecology events.

Once the home of Camborne School of Mines (CSM) from 1897, it has trained generations of students. On March 21 and 22, it will host the 47th International Intercollegiate Mining Games providing today’s students with the chance to connect with traditional mineral extraction methods of yesteryear — including jackleg drilling, hand mucking and gold panning - while gaining transferable skills and benefiting from career development opportunities.

KEM is now part of Camborne and Redruth with Wheal Peevor and Portreath, is area five of the 10 that make up the UNESCO Mining World Heritage Area of Cornwall.

Find out more about volunteering here: www.kingedwardmine.co.uk