Control Room Operator
Salary £ 29,000
South Crofty Mine
Vacancy listed 12/02/2026
Application deadline 13/03/2026
Details
The Company

Cornish Metals is an AIM listed Company working towards re-opening the 100% owned and fully permitted South Crofty underground tin mine in Pool, Cornwall.  

In March 2025, we raised £57.4 million, anchored by the UK’s National Wealth Fund and Vision Blue Resources to advance South Crofty towards tin production once again.  Tin is essential for electronics, renewable energy, and modern technology and demand is projected to increase by 30% in the next decade.

We are committed to ethical, responsible and domestic tin production and are proud to have strong local and national support.

Role requirements

The Control Room Operator will support the safe and compliant operation of South Crofty 

Mine.  Reporting to the Underground Mine Manager, you will provide real-time monitoring, communication, and operational control of all underground mining activities from a central control room. The role is critical for ensuring the safety of all personnel, the efficiency of production, and the integrity of fixed and mobile assets by adhering to strict operational and emergency procedures.

Cornish Metals is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace.  A copy of our Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Policy is available on our website.

Principle responsibilities/role tasks

Specific duties as part of the role include, but are not limited to, the following:

Monitoring & Operational Control

  • Oversee the mining processes through electronic displays, ensuring that all systems are functioning correctly and efficiently.
  • Continuously monitor all integrated operational systems via SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), fleet management, and personnel tracking software.
  • Oversee the status of key mine infrastructure including:
      o   Main ventilation fans and auxiliary ventilation systems.
      o   Dewatering pumps and sump levels.
      o   Conveyor belts, rock breakers, and primary crushers.
      o   High-voltage electrical distribution and substations.
  • Track the real-time location and status of all underground personnel and mobile equipment (e.g., LHDs, haul trucks, drills, utility vehicles).
  • Make adjustments to equipment settings and variables to optimize production and maintain safety standards.
  • Monitor environmental conditions, including gas levels (O2, H2S, CO, NO2, Radon) and airflow, responding immediately to any deviations from set parameters.
 
Communication & Dispatch

  • Serve as the primary communication link ("Mine Control") for all underground and surface personnel via digital radio and telephone systems.
  • Dispatch mobile equipment and personnel according to the daily mine plan, under the direction of the Shift Supervisor.
  • Manage vehicle traffic to prevent congestion and ensure right-of-way protocols are followed in designated areas.
  • Clearly and concisely relay instructions, safety alerts, and operational updates to the workforce.
  • Communicate effectively and efficiently with the other mine control room operators who work in different shifts and ensure a smooth and seamless transition of the mining operations.
 
Emergency Response

  • Act as the first point of contact for all underground incidents and emergencies.
  • Immediately initiate emergency response procedures in accordance with the site’s established protocols and the Mines Regulations 2014.
  • Operate alarm systems and manage the emergency call-out register to notify key personnel, including the Control Room Supervisor, Mines Rescue, and site management.
  • Maintain a calm and professional demeanour during high-stress situations, providing clear information to emergency responders.

Data Management & Reporting

  • Maintain an accurate and detailed log of all significant events, communications, and operational activities in the control room logbook/system.
  • Accurately record production data, equipment downtime, and operational delays.
  • Prepare and contribute to comprehensive shift handover reports, ensuring a seamless transfer of information to the incoming operator.
  • In-shift data recording and end-of-shift data validation of mining material movement and equipment efficiency KPI reporting.
 
Cornish Metals is an equal opportunities employer and reasonable adjustments will be provided. 

Working environment

This is an on-site role based at South Crofty mine. The role will operate on a rotating shift pattern, including nights, weekends, and public holidays. The role will be office based, within a secure, high-tech control room.

Key relationships

The role will report to the Underground Mine Manager, but there will be frequent interaction with the Mine Captain, Shift Boss, site management and the executive team.

External relationships will include regulators, contractors, suppliers, local communities and stakeholders.

Skills and experience

The key skills and experience which are expected for this role are:

Essential

  • GCSEs in Maths and English (or equivalent).
  • High level of IT literacy, with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Experience working in a high-pressure, real-time operational environment (e.g., mining, quarrying, process plant, logistics, or emergency services).
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to monitor multiple screens and data streams without losing focus.
  • Ability to handle emergencies and stressful situations effectively.
  • Use a computer and various software applications to facilitate the control, data management, and communication of the mining operations.
  • Use a computer and various software applications to facilitate the control, data management, and communication of the mining operations.
  • Use a computer and various software applications to facilitate the control, data management, and communication of the mining operations.

Desirable

  • Previous experience in a mining or heavy industrial control room.
  • Familiarity with SCADA software and Fleet Management Systems is a significant asset.
  • First Aid at Work certification.
  • An understanding of underground mining operations and terminology such as the mining cycle i.e. drilling, blasting, loading, and supporting. 
  • Have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the mining operations, equipment, and environment, as well as the health and safety hazards and regulations.

Hours of work and work location

Initially working a four on, four off rotation of eleven hours a day, this will soon become a similar rotation to include a night shift for the mine to operate 24/7. The shift patterns will allow a four-day period between shifts and will alternate days and nights. You will average 38.5 hours a week.
Benefits

• Health & Dental Cashback
• Life Insurance
• Enhanced parental leave and sick pay
• Income protection insurance
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Personal days

This vacancy has now been closed