Stringent planning process needs to be satisfied before mine approved

However, it is far from a certainty that the mining operation will be built as Sirius Minerals, the company behind the scheme, faces a tough task to justify the development within the North York Moors National Park. York Potash, which is a subsidiary of Sirius, has already been warned it faces an “uphill battle” to ensure the mine becomes a reality.

The North York Moors National Park Authority’s director of planning, Chris France, maintained the go-ahead for exploratory drilling work was no indication the overall scheme will be approved. He stressed that while the authority is supportive of mineral exploration, national planning policies dictate a different approach to mineral extraction.

Mr France told the Yorkshire Post that the announcement about the site earmarked for the mine represents a “significant stage”. A wide-ranging public consultation will now be undertaken by both the national park authority and Sirius Minerals.

He added: “The principles for development within a protected landscape are that there is a presumption that it should not go-ahead unless there is overwhelming evidence that it is in the public interest. York Potash will need to demonstrate that it cannot practically operate the mine outside of the national park for the plans to be approved.”

A planning application is expected to be submitted in either November or December, and the park authority is due to make a decision on the proposals within a 16-week period – if all the relevant information is provided.

If approved, construction could start as early as April next year, before the mine is operational by 2017. But there remains a distinct possibility the plans could be called in by the Government for a public inquiry, which would lead to significant delays.