Potash mine could begin production in five years

York Potash says the project will directly create at least 1,100 jobs and will be one of the biggest sources of employment in North Yorkshire.

The company has drawn up two possible designs for the mine shaft and hopes to get planning permission early next year.

The proposal is for a site to be built on between Whitby and Scarborough. Test drilling to determine the best location has been taking place since the beginning of the year. The company believes it has found some of the best potash deposits in the world.

Chris Fraser, managing director of Sirius Minerals, the parent company of York Potash, said the latest research had helped to set out a plan limiting any visual and environmental impact on the landscape by concealing the mineshaft infrastructure 600 metres underground. Alternatively it could be sunken at ground level to minimise the size of any surface buildings.

The potash – a potassium compound mostly used in fertilisers – could be pumped via an underground pipeline to a processing plant, which is likely to be on Teesside due to the area’s existing port infrastructure.

Mr Fraser said: “The study confirms the technical viability of the project and demonstrates how an innovative mine shaft design could maximise the benefits of the proposals and help to deliver construction quickly, efficiently and with the least impact possible.”

The company says it is “committed to employing local people” and job opportunities for engineers, chemists and semi-skilled labourers would be available. It is working with schools and universities to help pupils develop the skills they might need.

Residents are concerned about traffic and that a large mining operation would harm one of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.