Camborne School of Mines will play a pivotal role in an international collaboration aimed at reviving and stimulating the tin mining industry in Malaysia’s second largest state.

CSM, based University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus, has signed a technical cooperation agreement with key representatives from the Malaysian state of Perak, at a special ceremony in Hertfordshire.

Situated to the north of Kuala Lumpur, Perak was once renowned as one of the world’s largest tin producers.

This momentous agreement will seek to boost the state’s endeavours to develop a sustainable and cohesive mining industry within Perak.

CSM was chosen for the project due to its global reputation within the mining industry, producing highly-qualified and internationally-recognised graduates.

Professor Kip Jeffrey, first quantum minerals professor of mining engineering at CSM, signed the agreement at the headquarters of ITRI Limited, which is also part of the technical cooperation agreement.

Professor Jeffrey said the agreement offered an important opportunity to apply and pass on new knowledge to the burgeoning Perak mining industry.

He said: “This exciting partnership will deliver considerable benefits to both the people and economy of Malaysia.

“This is a great opportunity to apply the latest advances in development of sustainable mining technologies and practice to the tin industry and to pass them on the next generation of engineers and researchers, to create a sustainable industry and associated educational opportunities.”

The signing ceremony was also witnessed by Right Honorary Chief Minister of Perak, Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, as part of his official visit to London.