Yorkshire miners heading north in search of work

A POTASH mine has recruited more than 50 miners, some from Yorkshire, and is set to take on another 50.

Most of the new workers at the mine at Boulby in east Cleveland come from Maltby colliery in South Yorkshire which closed this year.

Some have also been recruited from Hatfield Colliery, Doncaster, from Daw Mill in the Midlands and Aberpergym drift mine, Wales.

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Cleveland Potash, which runs the site near Saltburn, recently announced expansion plans which are expected to create more than 270 jobs by the end of 2015.

Company general manager Phil Baines said: “Modern mining is a complex, expensive and difficult working environment, so we are delighted to welcome on board the newly recruited experienced men. It is especially gratifying that we can offer them jobs and a secure future at a time when other mines are laying off workers.”

The Boulby workforce has been further boosted by an expansion of the apprenticeship scheme.

At present there are 46 youngsters undergoing training, with another 17 to be recruited in September.

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“It is important, in terms of securing our future, to ensure that we have a steady supply of properly trained, highly competent young people coming through into the workforce,” explained Mr Baines.

“Hence the increased intake into our apprenticeship schemes.”

The news comes after the company announced a major expansion plan for Boulby, which will secure its future for the next 40 years.

The company hopes to extend its planning permission with the North York Moors National Park Authority. It has approved a £300m investment in underground machinery.

Boulby produces half the UK’s output of potash, which is used as an agricultural fertiliser.

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