Tourism businesses raise fears over timing of potash drilling

Exploratory work has now started in the North York Moors National Park to investigate the UK’s only seam of potash and establish the extent of the mineral deposits.

A multi-national company, Sirius Minerals, has lodged planning applications to erect two more drilling rigs in the national park as it steps up its research programme to find the best location for the mine. The mineral is an essential component of fertiliser.

A spokesman said results from the rigs now in operation should be announced in October. He added: “This is the only part of the country where potash exist and the exploration programme is a vital part of this important project.

“Ultimately the proposals would lead to the creation of up to 5,000 jobs throughout the area and provide the UK with security of supply of high value potash into the long-term.

“We will continue to work as quickly as possible to complete the temporary drilling and this will allow us to work up further details of the proposals.”

Sirius Minerals has secured the mineral rights for more than 150,000 acres of land between Whitby and Scarborough as it looks to establish the potash operation.

Permission for the first temporary drilling rigs was granted by the North York Moors National Park Authority in June.

These are more than 60ft high and are being erected near Ugglebarnby and Hawsker.

Drilling work began at the site at Hawsker about a fortnight ago and the focus of the initial exploratory work will then shift to the Ugglebarnby location, which is currently being prepared.

Sirius Minerals has also already received permission to drill at another two sites – at Silpho and Harwood Dale.

The latest two applications will be heard by the national park authority’s planning committee next Thursday. They relate to a site near Sneatonthorpe as well as land near a lay-by off the A171 close to the Flask Inn.

The exploratory drilling is being carried out during the height of the summer season, prompting concerns from tourism businesses that trade will be affected.

But senior park authority officers maintained that there was “no factual evidence” that the drilling would adversely affect the tourism sector.

Core samples will be tested to determine the extent of the potash reserves before detailed plans for the mine are finalised.

As many as 10 applications for temporary drilling rigs in the national park are expected to go to the authority before a full planning application for the potash mine is submitted towards the end of next year.

However, residents fear a major drilling operation in the park would destroy one of the country’s finest landscapes.

Concerns have also been voiced about the amount of traffic which would be generated if the potash mine goes ahead.

Senior planning officials have maintained that the proposals for the mine, which would represent the biggest development in the national park’s history, will be “rigorously examined” before any decision is taken.

The park authority’s director of planning Chris France claimed national guidelines on development within the boundaries of national parks would be followed before any decision is reached.

Sirius Minerals, which also oversees projects in Australia and the United States of America, revealed the proposals for the North York Moors in January for what would be the first mine of its kind to be created in the UK for nearly 40 years. Sirius chief executive Chris Fraser said: “These will be the first new surface boreholes drilled for potash in North Yorkshire for almost 35 years.”