Hope for 5,000 jobs as potash mine planned

Sirius Minerals yesterday revealed it had bought York Potash for 25m in order to gain access to mineral rights on the North Yorkshire coast.

Sirius plans to carry out geological tests with a view to submitting a planning application for a potash mine between Scarborough and Whitby, which would be the first new mine of its kind in the UK for 40 years.

Chris Fraser, the chief executive of Sirius, said the project had the potential to create up to 5,000 jobs.

Mr Fraser indicated it would be at least 18 months before a planning application could be submitted. He said potash was an essential component of fertilizer, and, if the mine was approved, it was expected to have a lifespan of around 50 years.

He said the firm was "very mindful" of the need to preserve the beauty of the local countryside and Sirius would talk to local politicians and community groups to ensure the mine didn't spoil the view or cause disruption.

Scarborough Council leader Coun Tom Fox said the announcement was "tremendously exciting" and would provide a massive economic boost.

Chris France, director of planning at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: "If the testing led to an application for extraction at a new potash mine, this would have to be dealt with under national guidance. Guidance requires major developments such as this to meet a demonstrable national need, otherwise there is a presumption against such developments in national parks."