Deal signed for mining buildings in Cornwall

South Crofty was the last working tin mine in Europe

Contracts giving a mining company ownership of land in Cornwall which it says it needs for new buildings have been signed.

Western United Mines wants to extract tin and other metals at South Crofty at Pool, near Camborne.

It said the deal it signed with Cornwall Council would allow new buildings to be built adjacent to the mine opening.

The mine was last commercially worked in 1998.

Exploratory drilling

Western United Chief Executive Alan Shoesmith said the new contract was a "very, very significant milestone for us".

Operations would be more centralised on the 2.5 mile (4km) wide site, the company said.

South Crofty was the last working tin mine in Europe when it closed after the price of tin hit an all-time low.

Western United said rising prices in recent years could mean it becoming commercially viable again.

Forty-eight staff are currently carrying out exploratory drilling for tin, copper and zinc.

Trace amounts of gold have also been discovered.

The company said it hoped to begin full mining in about two years, with a workforce of more than 200.