Twenty one students from Camborne School of Mines, based at Exeter University campus in Penryn, competed as the only British team in the 38th International Intercollegiate Mining Games this month, winning 3 gold medals.

40 teams from mining schools across the globe took part in the four day event which took place in Butte, Montana, USA. From 30 March to 3 April, the teams competed against each other in traditional mining skills such as track laying, mucking (filling a cart with ore), air leg drilling, hand steeling, surveying and gold panning.

Having won gold in three of the events, the team from Cornwall also achieved a bronze and two silvers in the other disciplines.

During the 16 day trip the students also gained valuable practical experience, visiting Copper, Tin & Talc mines in the area, as well as a fracking operation.

The primary aim of the competition is to keep the traditional mining techniques alive, many of which were developed in Cornwall. The competition has now evolved and also provides a talent scouting opportunity for mining companies and companies in related sectors, as well as enhancing the camaraderie of the mining students over international borders.

The students would like to thank their sponsors for their generous support. A huge thank you goes out to the Camborne School of Mines Trust, Sandvik and several local businesses including; Lantoom Quarry ltd - Liskeard, Tuff-Enuff - Penzance, Geoscience Ltd – Falmouth, Grinding Solutions Ltd – Truro, University of Exeter – Penryn and MinSouth – IOM3 Society, as well as International Businesses; Mutanda Mining, Liberty Resources and SRK Consulting.