Insights
Cornwall: the heart of Britain’s Industrial Revolution
From Trevithick’s steam engine to offshore wind, Cornwall’s engineering heritage positions it to lead the UK’s renewable energy transformation – if it can retain its talent.
While Cornwall might be best known for its incredible coastline and tourism industry, it actually has deep industrial roots. From pioneering steam power during the Industrial Revolution to driving innovation in renewable energy, Cornwall remains a key player in Britain’s industrial landscape. Here, Laurie Thornton, founder and director of specialist engineering consultancy MintMech, explains why investing in Cornwall and retaining skilled talent is vital for securing the region’s economic growth.
While conventional histories of the Industrial Revolution focus on northern industrial cities like Manchester, Cornwall was also at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution, largely thanks to its rich mineral resources. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the county’s tin and copper mines supplied much of Britain’s metal, fuelling rapid industrial growth. It was in Cornwall that one of the most significant innovations of the Industrial Revolution took shape – the steam engine.
The Cornish steam engine, developed by Richard Trevithick in the early 19th century, revolutionised mining by providing more efficient pumping systems to extract water from deep mine shafts. This innovation not only transformed Cornwall’s mining industry but also laid the groundwork for steam-powered transportation and manufacturing across the world.
Even though there has been a long hiatus in Cornwall’s mining industry, the legacy of Cornwall’s engineering excellence is clear in its culture. Today, that expertise is being channelled into new industries, such as lithium extraction, ensuring Cornwall remains at the forefront of British innovation.
Camborne School of Mines
The Camborne School of Mines (CSM) has been instrumental in keeping Cornwall’s industrial heritage alive. Founded in 1888, CSM has educated generations of mining engineers and geologists, many of whom have taken their skills to mining projects across the world. It also has a strong connection to South Crofty tin mine – the last operating tin mine in Cornwall, which closed in 1998.
While traditional mining may have ceased in Cornwall for now, the knowledge and skills developed at CSM have been used to support other high-tech industries, such as robotics, materials science and renewable energy. And some companies, such as Cornish Metals, Cornish Tin and others, are looking to reopen mines in Cornwall.
The expertise housed within CSM and Cornwall’s broader engineering community makes the region an ideal location for industrial investment. Companies like MintMech benefit from this legacy, tapping into a workforce with deep engineering knowledge and an innovative mindset.
Cornwall’s renewable energy revolution
Just as Cornwall led the way in the Industrial Revolution, it is now playing a crucial role in the UK’s transition to renewable energy. Its unique geography and weather conditions make it an ideal location for wind energy development. Cornwall has some of the UK’s highest wind speeds, particularly along its exposed coastline, making it a prime site for both onshore and offshore wind farms.
The UK Government has ambitious targets for offshore wind energy and Cornwall is set to play a key role in meeting these goals. The region is already home to several wind farms, such as Delabole, Goonhilly Downs, Carland Cross and St Breock and plans are underway for further expansion. With its wealth of engineering expertise, Cornwall is well-positioned to support the construction, maintenance and innovation required for the UK’s growing wind energy sector.
Investing in the future
Investing in Cornwall’s renewable energy industry is not just about meeting climate goals, it is also about creating jobs and securing long-term economic prosperity for the region. Despite its rich industrial history and engineering potential, Cornwall faces challenges in retaining skilled workers. Many young professionals leave the region in search of opportunities elsewhere, leading to a ‘brain drain’ that threatens local businesses and economic growth.
Cornwall has already experienced this emigration in the past. In the 19th century, when Cornwall’s mining industry declined, many skilled miners emigrated to countries with growing mining industries, such as Mexico, Chile and Argentina. During this time, Westcountry miners introduced locals to their traditional pasties, which bear a striking resemblance to the empanada – a baked or fried turnover filled with meat, cheese or vegetables.
While we love to see Cornish heritage influence other cultures, keeping top talent in the region is key, both for Cornish economic prospects and for wider UK economic growth. To assist with this, businesses and policymakers must work together to create high-quality job opportunities that encourage skilled workers to remain in Cornwall.
The renewable energy sector would be a good place to focus efforts. In 2024, the sector contributed £83 billion and employed nearly one million people – a figure that is expected to grow in the future.
Additionally, investment in local education and training programmes will ensure that Cornwall continues to produce world-class engineers and technicians. Expanding apprenticeship schemes, strengthening links between businesses and institutions like CSM and promoting Cornwall as an innovation hub in the renewable energy sector, securing the region’s industrial future.
Cornwall has always been a place of innovation, from leading the Industrial Revolution with pioneering steam engines to shaping the future of renewable energy. The legacy of its mining and engineering expertise remains a vital asset, making the region an attractive location for industry. Cornwall’s story is not just one of the past – it is a story of the future, and it is time to invest in that future.