Students from the Camborne School of Mines (CSM) are kick-starting an unusual training regime this January.
While many people are trying to get into shape by sweating it out in the gym or pounding the pavements, they are heaving mine wagons, laying rail tracks and chiselling through granite.
It is all preparation for the International Mining Games, which will be hosted by CSM at King Edward Mine, near Camborne from March 29 to April 1.
Now in its 34th year, this is the first time the competition will be held outside the US or Australia.
A total of 40 teams from all over the world will compete in physical challenges based on traditional mining techniques, many of which were originally developed in Cornwall in the 17 and 1800s. The event will be free and open to spectators.
CSM student Oakley Turner is leading on the organisation of the games. He said: “Hosting the International Mining Games is a wonderful way for us to celebrate our skills and bring a really exciting event to Cornwall.
“It will be a great opportunity for local people to see these techniques being carried out in the same part of the world as they were originally developed.”
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