Laurie Thornton is the Co-Founder and Director of MintMech Specialist Engineers, a Penryn-based engineering company delivering bespoke solutions to the offshore wind, mining, and critical minerals sectors. Combining expertise in mechanical, structural, hydraulic, and control systems engineering with in-house manufacturing capabilities, MintMech provides turnkey support from concept design through to installation and commissioning. A Chartered Mechanical Engineer with over 20 years of experience, Laurie began his career offshore, working on Round 2 offshore wind farm installations before spending more than a decade with Fugro Geoservices Marine Installation Services. There, he managed large-diameter drilling, wind turbine installation, repair, and decommissioning projects, gaining extensive experience in the design, manufacture, commissioning, and operation of specialist offshore equipment. Under Laurie's leadership, MintMech has expanded into the mining and critical minerals sectors, delivering underground hoisting, lifting and handling systems, pumping and processing equipment, and specialist solutions for geotechnical drilling. Recent projects include structural verification of lifting systems for deep mine shafts in Cornwall, engineering support for mining developments in Ireland, and the development of multi-gravity separator technology to enhance mineral recovery.
From Offshore Wind to Critical Minerals: Practical Engineering Solutions for the Energy Transition
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience across offshore wind, mining, and critical minerals, Laurie Thornton will discuss how practical engineering innovation is helping to solve some of the industry's most complex challenges. As Co-Founder and Director of MintMech Specialist Engineers, Laurie will share insights from his career spanning offshore wind farm installation, large-diameter drilling operations, and the development of specialist equipment for demanding environments. The session will explore the growing importance of the UK and Irish critical minerals sectors and the engineering solutions needed to support mine redevelopment, mineral processing, and resource recovery projects. Laurie will highlight recent work involving deep mine shaft infrastructure, specialist lifting systems, mineral processing equipment, and engineering support for emerging mining developments in Cornwall and Ireland. Attendees will gain an understanding of how engineering expertise, operational experience, and innovation can be combined to deliver safer, more efficient solutions that support both the energy transition and future critical mineral supply chains.
