‘Minerals association’ proposed for new Potash mines to be opened

Potash minerals are only mined in the North Yorkshire Moors in the UK

By Gabriella Smith

Plans to set up a new consultation group are being made after talks about the opening of a potash mine in North Yorkshire.

A new ‘Yorkshire Coast Minerals Association’ is said to be needed, after plans were discussed in meetings held by an independent steering group, regarding the opening of a new mine in between Whitby and Scarborough in the North Yorkshire Moors.

The plans come, following the discovery of large amounts of mineral deposits 12 months ago in the area. The area is the only known place in theUKthe minerals can be found.

Since the discovery of the minerals, group meetings have been held by developers each week, regarding financial issues and ownership of mineral rights, where the proposed digging will start.

The opening of a new mine is still very much in the planning stages, however the current proposal by the independent group, made up of local land owner business workers, is to set up a new Association in order to protect owners of mineral rights. This new Association, would allow rights owners to unite in future discussions with York Potash, the operators of the development, and to create a closer relationship with them, in order to set up a new mine.

Local businessman, Robert Smith, who has been attending the weekly meetings as part of the independent group said, “We recognise that there is a need for this association to be set up so as to speak as a voice for all effected mineral right holders, large or small.”

“It will represent their needs in such matters as planning, tax advice, and wealth management issues.”

What is Potash?

The mineral named Potash is a form of mine salt which contains Potassium, and is incredibly valuable for the use of making fertilizers.  It is currently mined just 15 miles from the new proposed site, at Boulby mine, inCleveland, this is the only place it can be found in theUK. The current mine was set up in 1969, workers have been mining the Potash, 1,200m below the ground. In it’s height of production, up to 800,000 tonnes of potash would be mined each year.

Boulby Mine is currently where the Potash is mined, in Cleveland.

However the discovery of this form of minerals and the opening of a new mine is crucial, due to the decreasing amount of potash being dug at Boulby mine.

Although the new mine is still in the planning stages, and is not said to be opened until around 2018 due to planning applications and the actual building of the mine itself, it is expected to boost the area’s economy greatly.

An estimated 5000 jobs will be created, 1000 of them requiring mining skills, and a further 4000 in other aspects.

“The local economy will benefit massively in years to come.” Robert Smith said.

Current Managing Director of Cleveland Potash, who operate Boulby mine, Graham Clarke, is set to join York Potash this month, and become part of Sirius Minerals, (operators of York Potash).

There has been dispute between land owners in the area and members of the public, regarding the location of the site, and the effect it will have on the scenic landscape.

“It will not massively impact on the landscape, as it will not be seen from above the ground.”

The announcement of the exact location of the mine is set to be announced by York Potash in June this year.