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.

CG_Tolgus_Mill_Puncher_1500-banner

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

photo of tolgus lockets from cornwall gold

...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.

close up photo of a hammer on a piece of wood

Join The Friends Of Tolgus

Volunteers also play a crucial role in keeping the restoration going, through their time and knowledge.

We’re looking for passionate volunteers to assist with a variety of tasks, from painting and sanding to fitting new timbers, clearing and decluttering. If you have specialist skills, we’d love your expertise in areas like audio technology, motor repairs, and equipment restoration.
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