collins pioneered systematic exploration for china clay in the st austell area, and had a long association with the area, as well as introducing both the filter press and the monitor to the china clay industry. from 1881–1884 he was the chief chemist and metallurgist for rio tinto mines in spain but left due to ill health, possibly malaria. he died at his home in crinnis, near st austell, on 12 april 1916 and is buried in nearby campdowns cemetery.