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Exploiting the commercial potential of potash and polyhalite
Key minerals in the manufacture of fertiliser, potash and polyhalite have the potential to add to the UK's economy as well as our revenue.
Potash is an important component in fertiliser, which accounts for around 90 per cent of UK production. Most fertiliser is destined for agriculture in the UK and overseas.
We have issued York Potash, part of Sirius Minerals, an exploration agreement off the North Yorkshire coast at Hunsdale. Although still at an early stage, the project is making good progress and exploration boreholes may lead to the development of a mine which could bring significant local benefits in the form of jobs and improved infrastructure. We will continue to work with York Potash to support the delivery of benefits by linking our business goals with the needs of the local community.
We have also been working closely with Cleveland Potash Ltd, a company that mines beneath the North Sea off the North Yorkshire coast. In a recent development, Cleveland has been awarded a regional development grant to develop the mine fully and to ensure future production of polyhalite, a new fertiliser mineral. The mine, which began production in 1973 and currently employs 800 people, is the UK's only commercial potash mine and the country's most important non-hydrocarbon mineral operation.
