Cornish Metals appoints new boss as South Crofty moves to ‘important stage’

He will lead the operational delivery of the mining project near Pool

A mining company looking to restore production at an historic tin mine in Cornwall has appointed a new managing director. Juan Kemp will take the helm of Cornish Metals on Monday, September 14.

Mr Kemp will lead the project and operational delivery of South Crofty, near Pool. The mine was forced to close in 1998 after more than 400 years of continuous production due to lack of investment and falling metal prices. Cornish Metals acquired the site in 2016 and said earlier this year it could be producing by 2028.

Mr Kemp has 30 years’ experience in the mining sector. He began his career with AngloGold in 1994 before joining De Beers in 1998, where he was appointed plant manager in 2001.

He joined Petra Diamonds in 2005 and held a number of senior operational and executive positions, including general manager of Cullinan Diamond Mine from 2011, chief technical officer from 2019 and operations executive from 2024.

In February 2025, he was appointed joint chief executive of Petra Diamonds – a position he held until May this year when he stepped down.

Mr Kemp will be based at South Crofty and will report to Don Turvey, Cornish Metal’s chief executive.

“As South Crofty continues to advance towards production, strengthening our operational capability and building the right team to operate the mine safely and efficiently is an important part of our development,” said Mr Turvey.

“His appointment comes at an important stage for South Crofty as we progress the plant construction and mine development alongside preparations for future operations.

“Juan will play a key role in building our operational readiness, embedding strong safety and operating standards, and importantly developing a skilled workforce from the talent pool in Cornwall and beyond as we move towards production.”

Mr Kemp said Cornish Metals had “an exciting opportunity” to develop a “modern, safe and responsible” mining operation in Cornwall.

“My focus will be on our people and disciplined delivery – progressing the project safely, building operational readiness and developing a high-performing local team,” he said.

“I look forward to working with Don, the Cornish Metals team and the people of Cornwall to make South Crofty a successful and sustainable operation.”