First shafts sunk on £2.5bn potash mine site

Bauer Technologies has started foundation works on a £2.5bn potash mine site in Yorkshire for developer Sirius Minerals.

The specialist contractor will design and construct five diaphragm wall circular shafts at depths ranging between 60m and 120m.

The project will become one of Britain’s most significant mines producing polyhalite – a high value multi-nutrient organic fertiliser.

A joint venture between Murphy and Hochtief is in line to construct a 23-mile tunnel to transport minerals from the mine head site at Dove’s Nest Farm near Whitby to a portal near the town of Redcar.

Murphy and Hochtief had expected to start work on the main tunnel in 2019 but this may be advanced into next year.

Martin Blower, Managing Director of Bauer Technologies, said: “This is an exciting project. We are delighted that Sirius has chosen us to deliver these project critical shafts.

“Bauer Technologies has an established reputation for delivering foundation solutions on some of the largest and technically complex projects in the UK and this project will allow us to further demonstrate our expertise and innovation.”