Mining

An Overview of Tamar Minerals’ Wheal Vor Project

Vox Markets
Vox Markets•Mar 10, 2026

Why It Matters

Reviving Wheal Vor could supply premium tin at a time of tightening global supply, giving Tamar a competitive edge in the fast‑growing clean‑technology market.

Key Takeaways

  • •Wheal Vor historically produced ~80,000 tons black tin
  • •19th‑century mine yielded 3‑5% tin over 200‑300 m strike
  • •Tamar now controls Duke of Leeds mineral estate rights
  • •Company plans drilling northward extensions targeting high‑grade tin zones
  • •Upcoming drill program aims to confirm 3‑5% tin intercepts

Summary

Tamar Minerals presented an overview of its Wheal Vor tin project in Cornwall, once one of the world’s premier 19th‑century tin mines. The historic operation extracted roughly 80,000 tonnes of black tin before ceasing in 1890 after a dispute over mineral rights.

The legacy orebody extends 200‑300 metres along strike, historically delivering 3‑5 % tin over 3‑5 metre widths, and even 6‑7 % tin over 20‑metre intervals. Tamar now owns the former Duke of Leeds mineral estate, which encompasses the northern and deeper extensions of that high‑grade zone.

Company executives emphasized the “high probability” of intersecting similar grades, stating that the primary drilling focus will be the north‑dip extensions where historic grades were exceptional. They plan a series of drill holes in the coming months to test multiple targets beyond the original mine workings.

If successful, Tamar could revive a world‑class tin source, bolstering its resource base and positioning the firm to benefit from rising tin demand driven by electronics and green‑energy technologies. The project also underscores the strategic value of acquiring historic mining rights in mature districts.

Original Description

Mark Thompson is an experienced mining investor and commodities trader who formerly worked with Trafigura and is now heading up VSA Capital as non-executive chairman and Tamar Minerals as chief executive. He also recently took a 20% stake in VSA, as he explains in this wide-ranging conversation, because he is bullish that the London mining scene is poised to make a comeback. Part of that call also involves the recent listing of Tamar Minerals in London, a company which has legacy assets in Australia, but which will now focus on assets in Cornwall and Devon. Mark tells us why the opportunity at the Wheal Vor project is so compelling, and discusses just how much tin there might still be left in Cornwall. Is a bull market underway? - yes, but not all commodities are equal. Mark ends the chat talking up tungsten.
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