Jynn Kernow
Jynn Kernow is a proposal rooted in Cornwall’s mining heritage, designed to support its future as lithium mining returns to the region. Set on the historic site of Geevor Tin Mine, the project responds to the need for a new kind of industrial development—one that prioritizes resilience, self-sufficiency, and community stability over short-term extraction. Rather than repeating the mistakes of the past, where entire towns collapsed when the mining economy failed, Jynn Kernow offers a phased, locally grounded approach.
The project begins with what’s already on site: mineral spoil heaps and access to geothermal heat trapped in flooded mine shafts. Using these resources, Phase 1 focuses on producing bricks and energy directly on location. This stage includes the construction of a modest but highly functional building, assembled without heavy machinery, using a lightweight kit that evolves into a permanent structure. The aim is simple: to create the core of a self-sustaining system, capable of building and powering itself without relying on outside supply chains.
In Phase 2, the project expands to include food and water systems—specifically aquaponics and geothermal-powered purification—helping the community become less dependent on imports and more able to weather economic changes. Only after this foundation is secure does Phase 3 introduce lithium extraction, now supported by infrastructure that can protect the community from the volatility of global markets.
The proposal has also been designed to be easily replicable and adaptable for other mining sites throughout Cornwall. The initial temporary structure, which houses the first set of machinery, can be compactly contained within a single shipping container. This allows it to be transported from the site of Geevor Tin Mine to other locations, supporting a gradual, community-oriented revival of the Cornish mining industry.
