Case Studies

Ore-some Origins: From Pickaxes to Pixels

Brought to you by Cornwall Mining World Heritage Site

Project Overview

Pick Axes to Pixels is an innovative heritage and digital engagement project delivered as part of Cornwall National Landscape’s Natural Beauty and the Beast programme. Funded through the Community Grant Fund, the initiative focused on the Caradon Mining District (Area 9) within the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.

Led by the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site team, the project was delivered in partnership with Cornwall Young Archaeology Club and Liskeard Library. It was designed to connect young people aged 8–16 with their local mining heritage, using digital technology to create new and engaging ways to explore the past.

The project set out to demonstrate how platforms such as Minecraft can support heritage education, help participants understand archaeological processes, and enable the virtual reconstruction of historic landscapes for wider audiences.

What took place?

The project was delivered through a two-day programme combining on-site exploration with digital creativity.

Day One: Exploring the Landscape
Participants from the Cornwall Young Archaeology Club visited Phoenix United Mine on Bodmin Moor, where they explored the historic mining landscape with guidance from specialists. They examined key features including mine remains, transportation networks, spoil heaps, and nearby archaeological sites such as the Hurlers stone circles.

The group undertook a measured survey of the site, collecting data, recording dimensions, and sketching plans. This hands-on experience provided valuable insight into archaeological practices and helped participants understand the scale and complexity of the mining landscape. Cornish language resources were also incorporated, introducing terminology linked to mining, landscape, and ecology.

Day Two: Recreating the Past in Minecraft
The second day took place at Liskeard Library, where participants used their fieldwork findings to build a virtual reconstruction of the site within Minecraft. Working collaboratively in a bespoke digital environment, they recreated key features including engine houses, mine shafts, and processing areas.

Using their own measurements and observations, participants translated real-world evidence into a detailed virtual landscape. The session encouraged creativity, teamwork, and digital skill development, while continuing to integrate Cornish language into the build.

Outcomes

The project delivered a range of positive outcomes in line with the priorities of the Community Grant Fund:

The project also supported wider goals such as improving access to Bodmin Moor, increasing awareness of its cultural importance, and embedding Cornish language within heritage experiences.

Check out this fly through hosted on Cornwall Mining World Heritage Site’s YT channel, showcasing some of the recreations from the participants on Day 2

Conclusion

Pick Axes to Pixels highlights the potential of combining archaeology, digital technology, and community engagement to create meaningful and lasting heritage experiences. By enabling young people to explore the past in both physical and virtual environments, the project provided a dynamic and inclusive approach to interpretation.

The initiative not only strengthened understanding of Cornwall’s mining heritage but also created a sustainable digital legacy that can continue to inspire wider audiences. It demonstrates how innovative approaches can broaden access, engage new participants, and ensure that heritage remains relevant and accessible for future generations.