Restoring Tolgus
We are restoring the Tolgus Tin Mill to preserve its history for future generations. By keeping it just as it was, we’re celebrating the tough, hardworking spirit that shaped the tin industry.
Every year, we tackle a new restoration project, and the best part? Sales from our Tolgus jewellery – made with a little bit of tin milled right here at Cornwall Gold – helps to fund the work.
Our restoration projects
2025
Visitor Experience
We want to make every visit to Tolgus Mill a memorable journey through its rich history. This year, our focus is to design a new curated route through the mill’s various rooms, supported by engaging signage and informative materials.
2025
shaking table
We have several shaking tables, all made in Camborne, but there is one table that we want to get working again. This is a significant technical and complicated undertaking that may take years, but restoring it is crucial to preserving the mill’s history.
2024
mill roof
Our maintenance team of two worked in all weathers in 2024 to restore the mill roof, shielding the mill it from the elements and revealing even more of what it has to offer! Read all about the process and see our ITV News interview here.
2023
Tolgus exhibition
We are super proud of our interactive exhibition built in 2023, it shares the history and significance of Tolgus, shining a light on its rich, milling history through engaging stories, ancient artefacts, videos, and exclusive material.

Why the restoration matters
Tolgus is a living example of Cornish ingenuity, showcasing the innovative methods used to extract tin. It also highlights what life was like for people who worked in the mining and milling industry hundreds of years ago. It’s the last working tin mill of its kind, so once it’s gone, it’s gone, making our restoration work even more important.
The Challenges WE Face...
ONGOING COSTS
The specialist materials, tools, and labour required for such a unique project demand constant funding
TIME
A project of this scale needs careful planning and execution, even the smallest of jobs can take considerable time
RARE EXPERTISE
The skills required to restore the ancient Tolgus Tin Mill are extremely specialised and increasingly rare
GRADE II LISTED STATUS
A listed site must follow strict restoration rules, meaning the work takes extra time and often costs more
ONGOING COSTS
Specialist materials, tools, and labour are required
TIME
A project of this scale needs careful planning
RARE EXPERTISE
The skills required to restore the mill are increasingly rare
GRADE II LISTED
A listed site like the mill must follow strict restoration rules
...and How You Can Help

...and How You Can Help
The sales of our Tolgus jewellery help to raise vital funds to preserve the mill. Although the tin mill has been out of commercial operation for decades, the smelting machinery can still be switched on so we can process tin and add it to our Tolgus jewellery.
Plus all our visitors can vote with tokens for the next restoration project they want to happen. Visit our showroom and have your say in preserving history.

Join The Friends Of Tolgus
Volunteers also play a crucial role in keeping the restoration going, through their time and knowledge.