Mine Searches & Investigations

Our mining consultancy team is vastly experienced and has local mining knowledge which is second-to-none. The records and archives we keep offer a depth of information unrivalled in the southwest. For these reasons, Wheal Jane Consultancy is the southwest’s premier mining consultancy.

Our mine searches are tailored to the site boundary provided. We keep the information concise and relevant, present the relevant findings and inform on the next steps if required. If your mine search identifies the need for a site investigation, we can undertake that too.

Our standard turnaround is typically 48 hours from receipt.

The Cornwall and Devon area is known to hold a huge diversity of rich mineral resources beneath its surface. These minerals including tin, copper, lead and a host of others have been mined from prehistoric times right through to the 21st Century.

Whilst this long history and heritage is now celebrated through the area’s Mining World Heritage Site designation, the industry has left an unwelcome legacy where old workings both recorded and, more importantly, unrecorded can cause problems for property and development. As a result, a mine search report is a crucial step in assessing risks for potential purchasers and land developers of ground stability problems.

An effective and reliable mine search depends much on the data and information available to the researcher, but even more so on the knowledge and expertise of that researcher. A qualified mining geologist is able to not only interpret available information but to assess situations where limited documentary evidence exists by adding local knowledge, geological expertise and practical experience.

Wheal Jane Consultancy offers concise and site-specific research and reporting on the presence of features relating to mines, quarries and clay workings.

These reports are also delivered quickly so that if issues or problems are identified they can be addressed without delay. Turnaround times are naturally dependent on the complexity of the search, but we normally aim to return all searches within 48 to 72 hours of receiving the request (excluding weekends and bank holidays).

For more information on why a mine search is required, and what it should contain, Cornwall Council’s useful ‘Validation Guide’ A Guide to Submitting Planning Applications is available to download.

Mine searches are often combined with a Phase 1 Preliminary Risk Assessment, or ‘Desk Study.’ Read more on our Phase 1 Preliminary Risk Assessment.

Get in contact to find out more or order your mining search.

If the site is in a historic mining area it may be recommended to examine the footings of the development.

Once foundation trenches have been excavated, but prior to being infilled with concrete, the ground profile is inspected for signs of mining activity.

This method is suitable when a development is situated within a mining district but there is no direct documentation of mining activity. The inspection process allows for a detailed examination of the geology of the site and for identification of any signs of ground disturbance.