The International Mining Games is an annual competition contested by mining schools from across the globe, competing in seven events based on traditional mining techniques. Teams of six from each school go head to head in Swede Saw, Jackleg Drilling, Hand-Steeling, Gold Panning, Track Stand, Mucking and Surveying, with medals being awarded to the top three teams in each individual event as well as for the overall winners.

The 2017 International Mining Games were hosted by the University of Kentucky in Lexington, USA. The 40th International Mining Games competition will be hosted by Camborne School of Mines in 2018, with teams competing at King Edward’s Mine, just outside of Camborne in Cornwall, UK. Many teams from the last event have expressed an interest in competing, from locations such as the US, Australia, Canada and Brazil. However, the school is also hoping to attract participation from other European teams, through the connections made during this year’s International Student Week. There is a possibility of teams from countries such as Norway, Finland, Poland and others competing for the first time. With the support of the CSM Trust and other key sponsors, this competition has the potential to be the best yet, improving on the successful games in 2012 – the last time it was held in the UK.

Whilst awaiting the arrival of aggregate and concrete blocks for the hand-steeling event, the 2018 organising committee have begun planning and organising the event, digging up the site at King Edward’s Mine in order to make the competition area 150% bigger than that of the 2012 Games. “Additional entertainment and social events for both the public and participants is already being discussed and organised, ensuring that these games are not easily forgotten! The hard work will continue over the coming year, with the expectation being to make these Games the most memorable yet, not only for the competitors, but for the local community of Cornwall.”

Ahead of the commencement of the 2018 Games, updates and links to the official social media can be found at www.csmimg.com. For information on how to enter current student and alumni teams, please contact Alex Perry, President of the 2018 Committee, at [email protected]. For more details on potential sponsorship and on the teams competing, please contact Lewis Fletcher at [email protected].