Mining Searches have become an essential part of conveyancing and remortgaging for properties and new developments within Cornwall, Devon and Somerset.

During the nineteenth century Cornwall and West Devon formed one of the most important mining districts in the world. Although the mining activity has now ceased it has left a legacy of problems related to subsidence and soil contamination. As a consequence, Cornwall County Council advises that Mining Seraches should be commissioned by propsective purchasers of property and site developers within principal areas of past metalliferous mining activity.

The aim of a desk-top Mining Search is to establish whether or not there is a potential risk to a property from past mining.

Each search requires a detailed study and interpretation of a variety of historic plans and documents, including abandoned mine plans, geological maps and early Ordnance Survey maps. We possess one of the most extensive archives of mining records in the South-West.

Cornwall Consultants Limited has eight qualified and experienced staff to undertake Mining Searches and provide follow-on services and advice where necessary.

We provide a fast and efficient service at a competitive price. Our Mining Searches are designed to meet the requirements of solicitors and lenders acting on behalf of property owners and purchasers. They can be produced as either a hard copy or electronic document.

Our Mining Searches are written in a standard format and provide a concise conclusion. Where a Mining Search identifies significant mining features within 20 metres of the property a plan is included to assist interpretation.

Recommendations may be made for further work to be undertaken. In some instances we will recommend a subsequent Property Inspection and in those cases where we consider the risk to be serious we will recommend a Mining Investigation.

Since Cornwall Consultants commenced trading in 1991 we have carried out over 60,000 Mining Searches; of these we estimate less than 10% have required follow-up work.