The Mineral Reconnaissance Programme 1990

Mining for non-ferrous metals, which in the past had occupied an important position in the British economy, had, by the 196Os, declined to a very low level. Towards the end of that decade, however, the industry was showing some signs of recovery, with exploration for copper and gold in North Wales, development work at a few sites, notably in the north of England, and the opening of the Wheal Jane tin mine in Cornwall. However, mining companies had little or no experience of prospecting in this country, and the complexities of land and mineral-rights ownership meant that access was more difficult than in the overseas territories where they were accustomed to working. Against this background, and in order to encourage exploration and mining for the non-ferrous metals and related commodities, three schemes were initiated, funded by the British government’s Department of Trade and Industry, which together have done much to facilitate the revival of the industry. The British Geological Survey’s Mineral Reconnaissance Programme (MRP) is a nationwide programme of mineral exploration and investigation. Its purpose is to stimulate private-sector exploration by identifying new areas with potential for mctalliferous and associated minerals. At the same time, the Geochemical Survey Programme, also operated by the the British Geological Survey, is systematically collecting geochemical data from the whole country, based on high-density sampling of stream sediments. Together, these two programmes are establishing a database of national importance both for mineral exploration and for environmental studies. Additionally, from 1972 to 1984 the Department of Trade and Industry provided financial assistance to industry through the Mineral Exploration and Investment Grants scheme.