William Thomas died at Redruth, Cornwall, in May, 1928, at the age of 69.
From 1877 to 1901 he worked in various capacities on Cornish tin mines, finally as manager of the resuscitated South Condurrow Mine. In the latter year, he resigned his position to take over the post of superintendent of the Bundi Tin Mines, Malay Peninsula, where he introduced an installation of concentrating and slime dressing plant which proved very successful.
In 1909 he went to India to join the staff of the Mysore Gold Mine as chief assistant, and remained with Messrs. John Taylor & Sons until 1911, when returned to his native Cornwall. He took over the management of the Phœnix Mines (Cornwall) Ltd., at Minions, in 1912, and later made his residence in Redruth.
Mr. Thomas was elected a Member of the Institution in 1908.
Vol. 39, Trans IMM 1929-30, p.702
