Test success at York Potash site

The company has taken samples of all three potash seams that exist in the area and said initial observations suggest there is 65 metres of potassium sulphate mineralisation, which is the company’s main target.

Chris Fraser, chief executive of Sirius Minerals, the company behind the project, said: “Although preliminary, these are fantastic results that are a validation of the world-class status of the project.

“The first hole we have drilled has delivered one of the world’s single thickest potash intersections ever reported.”

The sample included two zones containing a total of 19 metres of higher grade potassium sulphate.

Drilling and coring work has now finished at the site near Robin Hood’s Bay.

The mineral cores have been sent for full chemical analysis and formal results are due in around four weeks’ time.

The company said the coring rig will be moved to a second area near Ugglebarnby and the site will be returned to its original condition.

Mr Fraser said: “I’d like to thank local people for their understanding whilst we have been carrying out this first phase of drilling. Work on this important first hole took longer than originally scheduled, but we have gained a valuable and detailed insight into the geology of the area.”