Cornish Metals plc has announced the final assay results from its 2026 surface drilling programme in the Roskear area of the South Crofty mine, revealing promising findings that extend the known Roskear tin lodes beyond the current Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). The drilling programme, which involved a total of 2,330 metres across two drill holes, has confirmed the structural continuity of these lodes and identified new high-grade tungsten and copper zones, enhancing the exploration potential of the site.
The second drill hole, SDD26_002, successfully intersected multiple high-grade tin intersections, including notable results such as 1.51 metres at 1.46% tin (Sn), with a peak of 0.33 metres at 5.71% Sn. Additionally, the drilling uncovered a new high-grade tungsten zone, returning 8.58 metres at 1.41% tungsten (W), with a remarkable 0.52 metres at 15.15% W. This discovery is significant, particularly as tungsten is classified as a critical mineral in the UK, EU, and USA, with rising global demand and supply constraints.
The results indicate that the Roskear tin lodes continue to the west, aligning with the company’s geological model predictions. The high-grade copper mineralisation found, including 0.62 metres at 6.59% copper (Cu), adds further value to the exploration efforts at South Crofty. While tin remains the primary focus of the company, the presence of tungsten and copper will be evaluated as part of broader exploration strategies.
Lauren Beverage, Chief Geologist of South Crofty, expressed optimism regarding the results, highlighting the potential for expanding the Mineral Resource to the west. The newly discovered structures not previously included in the geological model enhance the understanding of the deposit and suggest a promising future for the South Crofty project.
The Roskear West drilling programme marks a pivotal step in testing extensions to known mineralisation and assessing priority exploration targets. The company is now looking to integrate these findings into its development plans, which include the potential for future tungsten concentrate production. Given the historical context of tungsten production at South Crofty, the company is well-positioned to leverage this new opportunity in the evolving critical minerals landscape.
As the demand for critical minerals continues to rise, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains, Cornish Metals’ advancements at South Crofty could play a crucial role in securing a domestic supply of tin and tungsten in the UK, supporting both local economies and broader sustainability goals.
