CORNISH mining could be back in business within two years if ambitious plans to extract copper, zinc, silver and even gold at South Crofty attract sufficient international investment.

Significant deposits of a range of valuable minerals have been identified during intense underground explorations at the site near Camborne. And hopes are now high that by using modern techniques, the mine – which closed in 1998 – will once again provide well-paid jobs in the area, as well as giving a boost to the wider economy, and to Cornish pride.

Already more than 60 people are employed full-time at South Crofty, with shifts of 20 drillers working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Thousands of core samples are being analysed to build up a picture of the concentrations of metals.

John Webster, the man charged with turning around the mine's fortunes, explained the new Crofty will be interested in extracting a variety of minerals, not just tin.

"We have to get away from the tin mindset," he said. "Trying to market a tin project today is a bit like trying to sell your mother-in-law – it's impossible. Investment at Crofty has now reached £13 million and we need to make the most of that."