It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the death of Bernard Ballard. Bernard passed away peacefully on 23rd May 2024, surrounded by his family. In addition to his many industry achievements, Bernard served as Secretary and Director of the Cornish Chamber of Mines and Minerals for over 25 years, becoming Chairman in 2016. Bernard also helped to set up the Cornwall Mining Alliance, playing a key role in its initial development and as a member of the Steering Group for several years. He was synonymous with Wheal Jane and many visitors from all over the Word benefited from his explanations of the regeneration of the site.
Bernard joined the mining scene in Cornwall in 1988 with Carnon Consolidated Tin Mines Ltd based at Wheal Jane where he engaged in various diversification projects, estate management and other management roles until 1998.
During that 10 years with the company he was also involved with events such as the closure of Wheal Jane mine in 1991, the South Crofty public share issue of 1994 and the closure and sale of South Crofty Plc and the mine in 1998.
Following the closure of South Crofty, Bernard was one of five managers at South Crofty Plc who completed a Management Buyout of the subsidiary businesses and assets of that company and the formation of the Wheal Jane Group.
This new company took over the Wheal Jane site where those businesses have continued to grow as part of the development of the site as a specialist business cluster with a particular focus on mining, minerals and renewable energy, the Wheal Jane Earth Science Park.
Bernard was good natured and had an easy rapport with his colleagues. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and worked with him and by his friends on the Board of the Cornish Chamber of Mines and Minerals.
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