Almost 150 pupils from Cornwall take part in the mining games

Almost 150 students took part in the Cornwall School Mining Games, which aims to “inspire and encourage students to get involved in engineering and the Earth sciences”.

Eleven schools competed in six disciplines, which included panning, surveying, mineral separation and hand steeling.

Coordinator Rebecca Mitchell said: “There are lots and lots of opportunities coming up over the next few years for young people in Cornish.

“We’re looking to open up mining, lithium mining and engineering when it comes to offshore wind farms.”

On Thursday, 146 students participated in the fifth year of the games.

Florence Hawksworth, Head of Geography at Helston Community College, said the games gave students an opportunity to consider careers both locally and globally.

“We’re looking at the lithium opportunity and also geothermal … it’s very valuable to be able to understand that on a local scale,” she said.

When discussing the industry in lessons, Mrs Hawksworth said students thought “Oh my gosh, wow, it’s amazing that we could do this both in Cornwall but it could also take us to places around the world “.

“Some students are very excited about this being an opportunity for them,” she said.

This year’s games resulted in a joint victory for Truro and Redruth schools who share the Kurt Jackson Mining Trophy.