We have recently had several new staff join us at Cornwall Mining Consultants, one of whom is Jack Jones who took up the role of Field Geologist six months ago. Now that he is settled in we decided to sit down with him to find out why he chose to work here and just what his job entails…..
Why did you choose to work with Cornwall Mining Consultants?
I started my role as a Field Geologist at CMC in November 2024, eager to take on fast paced project work whilst expanding my knowledge into different fields. I also loved the idea of working for a well-established and reputable mining consultancy business in beautiful Cornwall!
Having achieved a BSc in Geology and an MSc in Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Birmingham, I went on to work for a large engineering and environmental consultancy firm. As I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of both my studies and work, it was obvious that I should look to incorporate field and site based work into my professional career. My role at CMC provides plenty of time spent on out onsite so this role is absolutely perfect for me!
Whilst I am originally from the New Forest in Hampshire, I have long held an affinity for Cornwall. In fact, I spent the summers of 2022 and 2023 living here so when I saw the opportunity to combine my professional passion with the area I love, I jumped at the chance to move ‘down west’ permanently.
What have you learned since joining?
My first six months have been incredible, packed with a wide variety of interesting projects whilst surrounded by highly experienced and knowledgeable individuals. This has meant that I have learnt absolutely masses since joining!!
In particular, I have really strengthened my knowledge on;
- Cornish geology
- The key mining districts and the mining heritage here in Cornwall
- The likely locations and geometry of mining features
- Mining investigation techniques through down the hole hammer percussion drilling
- Other site services such as foundation trench inspections and property inspections
This has been achieved through a combination of extensive training alongside completing physical mining investigations. I have even been fortunate enough to explore underground mine workings during visits to former mines, including Levant and Rosevale Mine.
Working at Cornwall Mining Consultants has been eye-opening. I am astonished at the vast amount of historic mining data we have detailing the extent of mining activity across the southwest.
It has been an absolute pleasure to spend time researching this fascinating part of our history via our innovative inhouse GIS database, which perfectly captures the scope of histoic mining activity and the potential issues they pose today.
What has been your most challenging project to date and why?
The most complex mining investigation I have worked on was at part of a caravan park on the north coast. The owners were looking to dedicate a field to static holiday homes but needed to ensure the ground was suitable. This involved drilling over 1000 metres of boreholes which in turn identified a range of mining features, many of which were associated with the same mineral lode.
An added complexity to this investigation was the presence of poorly recorded buried services (including electric cables, a sewer main and a water main) throughout the site, which we were very happy to avoid!
Based on our findings, the client will now undertake remedial works on the block of land investigated in order to prevent any subsidence issues in the future.
Aside from interesting mining investigations, I have also conducted walkover surveys. The objective of this service is to identify any mining features visible at surface within a property to assess the risk presented, and to search for evidence of mining related subsidence.
My favourite walkover was at Cligga Head, which involved covering approximately 100 acres by foot on the high clifftops near Perranporth. The area is littered with numerous mine shafts and adit tunnels (which are visible in the cliff face), and I recorded the locations of over 70 mining features using GPS.
With spectacular views and so many notable features, this was a great insight into the scale of historic mining and the number of associated features.
What do you find rewarding and why?
I really enjoy taking on mining investigations from start to finish because being able to manage the entire project means I am involved throughout. It is really satisfying to see the project through, from potential problem to solution. It also allows me to ensure effective communication with clients whilst undertaking top quality, timely work – which Cornwall Mining Consultants have an unrivalled reputation for.
What do you find the most enjoyable aspect of working with us?
Within days of joining the company, it was clear to see how interlinked the whole team is at CMC.
The office environment is very open which means that even complex projects are happily discussed by all. Everyone can listen, learn and offer advice. This has had such a positive effect on my development, allowing me to work closely with highly experienced senior members of both the field and research department. It feels like I am being given a ‘fast-track’ in knowledge.
I have also loved my time on site with my colleagues as well as our drillers at Celtic Drilling. No two jobs are ever the same, and the fast-paced turnaround from project to project has already led me to work in many great spots all over Cornwall.
What are the next steps for you and do you have any aspirations for the next six months?
In the coming months I wish to further develop my mining investigation skills by taking on more complex sites and gaining an experience of the remediation of mining features.
I would also like to undertake site works in contaminated land and geotechnical services, with the hope to be involved with multidisciplinary projects in the future.