Why did mine owners in Cornwall want Watt’s steam engines?

Mine owners in Cornwall sought out James Watt’s steam engines primarily because they needed to reduce fuel costs.1

Unlike regions with abundant coal, Cornwall lacked local coalfields, making the importation of fuel expensive. Consequently, mine managers were under significant pressure to exercise rigid economy regarding the fuel consumed by their pumping and hoisting operations.21

Watt’s engine was highly desirable because it was significantly more efficient and cost-effective than the earlier Newcomen steam engine. By utilizing a separate condenser, Watt’s design solved the problem of energy wastage caused by the loss of latent heat, which was a major defect in previous models. This increased efficiency allowed Cornish mine owners to maintain their operations while minimizing the high costs associated with transporting fuel to their sites.3412