A Cemex quarry in the town of Pickering, County North Yorkshire, England, has staved off the threat of mothballing following planning permission approval.
This follows an approach from York Potash to supply aggregates for the construction of its mine site.
As part of its commitment to use local suppliers, York Potash has indicated that Newbridge Quarry, owned by
This could secure the immediate future of the quarry, which lies in close proximity to the mine site in Sneaton, safeguarding six direct jobs and many more in the local supply chain.
Cemex uses hauliers and engineers from the local area and this proposed commitment from York Potash prevents the loss of these jobs. The agreement provides a significant boost to the quarry, which has been operating since 1897, after a notice was given to its workforce, who between them have accumulated over 110 years’ service, indicating that it may close in July.
“We’re committed to using local suppliers wherever possible and using local quarries not only benefits the local economy but also reduces the length of vehicle movements required,” says Gareth Edmunds, external affairs director for York Potash.
“The construction of the mine alone would add around £55 million (€65 million) to the local economy and this is just one example of how businesses in the area can benefit from the project.”
York Potash has already spent almost £6 million (€7 million) on suppliers across Yorkshire, a figure which is estimated to have supported an extra 23 jobs.
Commenting on the positive news that the site will now remain operational, Rob Doody, operations director said: “We are delighted that there is the opportunity to supply building material to York Potash. The construction market has been at an all-time low, affecting the demand for aggregate, so it is good news that we can keep the quarry open and our employees in work.”
York Potash is the company behind the proposed state-of-the-art new potash mine in North Yorkshire, the first in the UK for over 40 years. Potash is an essential component for plant growth and without it food would not be able to be produced with the same level of efficiency and certainty.
Security of supply of potash is vital for the UK’s national interest.
The proposed location for the mine access is an existing farm and commercial forestry block located approximately 2km s
outh of Sneaton village and 4km south of the coastal town of Whitby.
Ultimately, the proposed new mine will lead to the creation of 1,000 direct jobs in the mining and processing operations, with thousands more in the supply and support economies.
York Potash is working closely with local and regional education and training bodies to deliver a programme of training, apprenticeships and bursaries to ensure that local people have the appropriate skills to benefit directly from jobs at the mine.
The team behind the proposals is committed to ongoing engagement with local stakeholders and communities to deliver the significant boost to the local, regional and national economy that the proposals would represent.
The plans utilise state-of-the-art technology and engineering so that its visual and environmental impact is minimised.
