Meet the Board

Chris Harker moved to Cornwall to train at the Camborne School of Mines, and having graduated with an Honours degree in Mining Engineering, he worked on the original Hot Dry Rocks (HDR) Geothermal Energy Project, before moving into consultancy. He now has over forty years’ experience of delivering a wide range of large and intermediate-scale infrastructure schemes, including wind, solar, geothermal, and mineral extraction projects. Chris has been involved in the development and application of Geographical Information Systems as a tool for the identification, assessment and development of minerals extraction projects, including the interpretation of historical data and the resolution of mineral rights issues. He has also undertaken technical Due Diligence, project evaluation, and contract management on a range of major infrastructure projects, and has prepared numerous successful funding and permitting applications.

He represents the Chamber on the Executive Board of the Critical Minerals Challenge Centre.

Chris Yeomans has over a decade of experience in data, mineral exploration & technology innovation. Chris has a Masters and PhD from Camborne School of Mines where his thesis focused on machine learning applied to exploration in Cornwall. He now specializes in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency & sustainability across the minerals value chain. In addition, Chris is a leading expert in critical minerals, advising the Domestic Working Group of the Critical Minerals Association (UK) and he is also a member of the IOM3 Advisory Council.

As Director, Chris brings a breadth of experience from his time leading both academic & industrial innovation programmes that have included data digitisation, GIS data management, data science, airborne geophysical surveys & mineral prospectivity mapping.

He qualified in September 2007 and has significant experience in minerals, waste and ‘natural resources’ planning whilst also dealing with the more usual planning matters such as drafting s106 agreements and applying for Certificates of Lawfulness. Chris has also appeared in the Magistrates’ Courts and the County Court in planning matters as well as at Planning Inquiries.

Chris acts for defendants in planning and other regulatory prosecutions having previously advised the Cornwall Council on its enforcement notices and prosecutions. He has advised on bespoke developments including Penzance Harbour, Newquay Cornwall Airport, the regeneration of Hayle and Energy from Waste. He has specialist knowledge on environmental matters including EIA, Appropriate Assessment and European Protected Species.

With a background in mineral exploration, she integrates ESG considerations into projects to ensure long-term viability & community benefit.

As Director Lucy is keen to raise awareness of the sector through education and outreach opportunities and to promote best practice on behalf of the CCMM.

Karen was the 2019 European Association of Geochemistry’s Distinguished Lecturer & in 2022 was named as one of ‘100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining (WIM100)’ by Women in Mining.

As a Director Karen will forge the longstanding link between the CCMM and Camborne School of Mines and foster collaboration and research between the organisations.

Kathy is a mining geologist and environmental specialist to the mining and ground engineering sectors in the UK and overseas.

She has caried out environmental audits, due diligence and impact assessments on proposed and expanding mineral projects worldwide.

Kathy has lived and worked in Cornwall for over 20 years, where she has specialised in mining legacy issues, including land contamination, mining waste management and ground instability issues.

Kathy is an Associate of the Camborne School of Mines and was one of the founders of the Cornwall Mining Alliance and the South West Mining Subsidence Forum.

She has been a Director of the Cornish Chamber of Mines and Minerals (CCMM) since 2014.

Within her CCMM role she seeks to enhance the regulatory approach to the development of historical mine sites and to promote the importance of mineral safeguarding.