Socia Media Quiz
Q: How many ‘pleats’ does a true Cornish pasty have along the crust?
A: 20
FACT: The crusty rim of a pasty was originally intended so that it could be eaten cleanly by miners.
FACTOID: Pasties contribute £150 million a year to the Cornish economy.
MORE: Last few remaining places for exhibitor tables; all 3-minute speaker slots now sold out.
Q: The biggest loss of life in a UK mine explosion was at the Universal Pit in Senghenydd, when 439 died. When was this?
A: 1913
FACT: 81 miners were killed at the same mine just 12 years earlier.
FACTOID: The Camborne School of Mines was founded in 1888
MORE:We’re delighted that Professor Patrick Foster will be moderating a panel discussion on skills shortages & the future of mining education.
Q: Humphry Davy invented the safety lamp in 1815. Who claims to have invented a safety lamp four years earlier?
A: William Clanny
FACT: Mining engineer George Stephenson also invented a lamp at about the same time (both men discovered that explosions would not be initiated through narrow tubes). Stephenson went on to invent the first steam-powered locomotive.
MORE: With only 23 weeks to go to the UK Mining Conference in Cornwall, it’s time to register & book your accommodation. See growing line-up of quality speakers here.
Q: In Victorian coal mines, what was a ‘Schaffler’?
A: Small Austrian-made shot firer
FACT: In 1842, children under ten years were stopped from working underground in British mines. Before this legislation it was common for whole families to work together (most children started work underground when they were around eight years old, but some were as young as five).
FACTOID: Cornwall has only one city (Truro).
MORE: The UKMC Team wishes you all a very Merry Christmas & Healthy, Prosperous New Year.
Q: In which year did Humphry Davy invent his safety lamp?
A: 1815
FACT: Serious coal-mine explosions in the northeast led the Rector of Bishopwearmouth (near Newcastle) to ask Davy to find a means of lighting coal mines safely.
FACTOID: In the early 20th century, half of the world’s tin came from Cornwall. And we’re delighted to be welcoming CEO & Founder of Cornish Tin to our lineup of excellent speakers in June 2025. Registration open now
Q: Who discovered more elements on the periodic table than any other scientist?
A: Humphry Davy
FACT: Cornish-born chemist and inventor Davy (1778-1829) discovered five elements (Barium, Boron, Calcium, Magnesium and Strontium), for which he was knighted.
Learn which metals & minerals are being mined in Cornwall now, register here
FACTOID: Cornwall has neither a motorway nor a prison, but boasts almost 700km of coastline and 300 (listed) beaches.