Potash contract for Alan Auld

SIRIUS Minerals has appointed a firm to develop designs for the shafts at its proposed North Yorkshire potash mine.

Alan Auld Engineering, based in Doncaster, has secured the contract to develop the lining and sinking concepts for the mine which will see shafts more than 1,000 metres deep.

Sirius minerals chief executive Chris Fraser said: “The design and construction of the shafts for the York Potash Project are of critical importance to the successful rapid development of the project. 

“Given the location of the York Potash Project, we recognise that minimising the visual impact of the ultimate minehead location will help maximise our chances of continued community support. 

“Alan Auld Engineering is one of the firms leading the world in these designs and will be an important partner for Sirius going forward.”

Sirius Minerals, which is currently drilling a series of test holes, said it was still analysing data and had yet to decide the location of the minehead.