Boardroom shake-up at potash firm

THE company behind plans to build a new potash mine in North Yorkshire has a new chairman.

Russell Scrimshaw will lead the Sirius Minerals board after Chris Catlow admitted he could not commit the time needed to fill the role as the company develops.

Mr Catlow will become deputy chairman while the current holder of that role, Richard Poulden, will become a non-executive director.

Mr Scrimshaw was founding director of Fortescue Metals Group, in Australia, and held the role of deputy chief executive before his retirement last year.

He said: “This appointment as chairman of Sirius is a tremendous personal honour. 

“The challenge of helping to grow Sirius into a major player in the global potash industry is very exciting. 

“Not only is the York Potash Project a massive one by both UK and world mining standards, but it is a project that is critical for global food supply in the decades to come.”

Sirius Minerals is in the process of test drilling in North Yorkshire to assess the quality of potash available and has plans to open a new mine that could create up to 5,000 jobs.

In a statement, Sirius Minerals said Mr Catlow had been instrumental in the company’s development.

He said:  “I am delighted that Russell has accepted the chairmanship baton for this next leg in the evolution of the company. I look forward to continuing as a board member and working with Russell, Chris and the Sirius team as we develop the company further. The company has a very exciting future.”