The purchase of South Crofty mine by a Canadian mineral exploration company could pave the way for the tin mining to start again in Cornwall.

Strongbow Exploration Inc bought a 100 per cent interest in the South Crofty Tin Project on July 11, as well as acquiring all associated mineral rights, and the company has said it wants to look at the possibility of reopening production due to an improving tin market.

The project covers 26 former producing mines in the area of Camborne, Pool and Redruth, with an active mine permit valid until 2071, subject to certain planning conditions being met.

Richard Williams, president and chief executive of Strongbow, said: “We are extremely pleased to have concluded this agreement, and look forward to moving the South Crofty project towards a production decision in collaboration with all stakeholders in this historic tin mining district.

"This represents a significant step towards our goal of creating a new strategic metals company with Osisko Gold Royalties as a cornerstone shareholder.”

The firm has acquired a 100 per cent interest in Western United Mines Limited and Cornish Minerals Limited (Bermuda). These companies between them hold the rights to the South Crofty underground mine permission area, plus additional mineral rights over a further 7,500 hectares located in various parts of Cornwall, UK.

The mine was worked for copper from near the surface and tin from deeper ores, and Strongbow has said its focus will be to evaluate the tin-only mineralisation that occurs primarily from a depth of 400 metres below the surface.

Several companies attempted to revive the mine between 2001 and 2013 but due to poor market conditions the assets were put into administration in 2013.

The company has said that, in improving market conditions, the deal will allow it to move towards a production decision regarding the mine.

Lawyers Stephens Scown acted for Strongbow in relation to South Crofty, and will continue to do so.

Sally Norcross Webb, mining lawyer at Stephens Scown, said: “It’s fantastic we have been able to complete this deal.

"The Cornish people are justly proud of their mining expertise, and Cornwall led the world in the tonnage of its tin production.

"Completing this deal gives South Crofty a chance to progress towards a production decision, which could mean significant investment and generate valuable jobs for Cornwall.”