Mining for potash off the Yorkshire coast likely to secure approval

Potash development group Sirius Minerals is to obtain a licence to extract potash minerals from its 525 sq km offshore area of interest on the North Yorkshire coast – the largest component of the mineral rights within the York Potash Project. Sirius has said in its original licence application that the potash minerals lie in seams below the seabed and would be accessed via tunnels from onshore.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has notified Sirius that it has positively determined the application, subject to appropriate conditions. Written confirmation is expected very shortly.

Sirius said the extraction of these minerals pursuant to this licence represents the first of the four key approvals required for the York Potash Project, but is conditional on approval being obtained for the onshore mining and surface infrastructure.

Sirius is currently finalising the planning application for the onshore mining and surface infrastructure and expects to submit it to the North York Moors National Park Authority before the end of January 2013.

The formal public consultation period for the pipeline transport system comes to an end on 11th January. The application for the pipeline transport system is expected to be submitted during February 2013.

“The issue of the licence by the MMO is a significant achievement as the offshore area represents the largest component of the mineral rights within the York Potash Project,” said managing director Chris Fraser. This is one of the key approvals for the project and we look forward to securing the remaining approvals as quickly as possible.”

Source: Insidermedia.com, 10th January 2013

Please do share this

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Delicious
  • StumbleUpon
  • Add to favorites
  • Email
  • RSS