Record figures for organic fertiliser producer
A North Yorkshire mine which produces the organic fertiliser polyhalite – marked as Polysulphate – has doubled its output compared to the same period last year.
The figures have been released by mine operator ICL Boulby and covering the second quarter of the year. The firm said the mine had achieved a new production record in July.
In its financial results for the three months to June, ICL reports that production of polyhalite reached 136,000 tonnes with output of the firm’s PotashPlus fertiliser, a combination of polyhalite and potash, hitting 34,000 tonnes following its successful commercial launch towards the end of 2018.
Boulby General Manager and Vice President Andrew Fulton welcomed the highlighting of the increase in production in the ICL overall results, coming a few days after the mine was visited by ICL Chairman Yoav Doppelt.
Fulton “The fact that the doubling in our production is recognised by our parent company demonstrates the importance being played by our pioneering work, leading the world in exploiting the potential of polyhalite to help farmers increase growth and yield across the world.
“Already we are selling Polysulphate products across five continents and interest from farmers and growers is increasing all the time.
“Following on from our second quarter performance, our growth is continuing with our July hoist total of 57,288 tonnes the best monthly figure to date.”
Polysulphate contains four vital plant nutrients—sulphur, potassium, magnesium and calcium—and has a lower carbon footprint than many other fertilisers. It ensures increased crop yields and crop quality for farmers.
Matching production to demand, ICL Boulby is aiming to boost production to reach a million tonnes by the end of 2020 and 1.3m tonnes by 2023.
