GOVERNMENT approval for a new potash mine, with shipping facilities to be built in the borough, will see a major jobs boost for Redcar and Cleveland.
The mine, run by Sirius Minerals, will be based in Whitby and potash will be transported via conveyor through the borough to a processing facility at Teesport where it will be delivered around the world.
With consent already secured from Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and other authorities, the last major hurdle the mine’s owners had to overcome was the approval of a Development Consent Order (DCO) from central Government.
The DCO covers the route from the mine to Teesport, a distance of 36 kilometres, and with work soon to begin local people are being invited to keep their eyes open for jobs constructing and running the mine.
Sirius Minerals aim to see at least 80% of the eventual workforce come from the local area, and would aim to increase this percentage in the future.
Demand for potash is high around the globe with countries like China using the mineral as a fertiliser, and Sirius hope reserves in the area will see the mine operational for at least 50 years.
Cllr Dale Quigley, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “Confirmation that the potash mine has had Government approval is a major boost for the job market in the borough. This multi-million pound scheme is looking to recruit for more than 1,000 posts, with more in the supply chain which is welcome news, particularly after the job losses at SSI last year.”
Chris Fraser, Managing Director and CEO of Sirius Minerals, said: “We’re delighted to have secured this final approval for the Project and would like to thank everyone who has contributed towards the positive determinations of all of the planning applications and the DCO application.
“Our team is currently actively engaged in the financing phase of the Project and I look forward to providing further updates in due course. We are closer than ever to delivering this world-class Project.”
To find out more about jobs on offer at the mine, go to: http://siriusminerals.com/work-with-us/jobs/