17.11.05
Quality of Cornish mining organisations recognised

The World Heritage Site Office, together with Poldark Mine and King Edward Mine, have been admitted as members of the 'Europamines' network in recognition of their work to preserve and celebrate Cornwall's mining history. A Research Fellow from the Institute of Cornish Studies, at Exeter University, was also granted membership.

The Europamines group includes important mining heritage organisations from Italy, Spain, the Republic of Ireland and Poland and membership was awarded on the basis of the huge contribution made by the County Council and the organisations to the international understanding of mine site conservation and preservation. It also reflects the high international regard for the World Heritage Site Bid, which is addressing the economic, educational and environmental potential of our world class mining heritage.

Deborah Boden, the World Heritage Site co-ordinator said: "The Cornish organisations accepted by Europamines have secured membership due to the quality of their previous work and their commitment to improving standards and working together. Membership of Europamines continues a long tradition of working with partners in Europe."

Current Europamines projects, funded by Europe include updating and republishing the 'Conservation of Mine Sites' guidance, originally produced by the Cornwall Archaeology Unit, in other languages. Future projects will include tourism studies and marketing initiatives to reach wider, European audiences.

Europamines exemplifies how one particular industrial heritage theme is representative of shared European values, linking regions throughout Europe. Mining and metallurgical processes have played a very important role in the evolution of society across the continent.

Mining heritage is a key part of European history and embraces many different research specialities including mineralogy and geology, the study of people, migrations, trade and technology. Development of this network will bring greater understanding of the shared heritage of different European regions and identify cultural tourism opportunities.

For further information please contact Monica Field, Communications Officer, Cornwall County Council on 01872 322257.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the World Heritage Site Bid – Cornish mining, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Editor's notes:

Please see www.europamines.com for further details.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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