Sirius plays down delays

SIRIUS Minerals has insisted delays at its second test drilling site do not cast doubt on its ability to establish a new potash mine in North Yorkshire.

The company said today it had encountered “fluid loss zones” which had caused delays in drilling while they inject cement to fill the gaps.

However, planners have also given the company permission to drill a further three test boreholes as it adds to the body of data it already holds on the geology of the area.

Chris Fraser, managing director and chief executive of Sirius, said: “These additional sites will help us further define the extent of the world class resource that exists in the area. 

“We continue to progress the drilling phase as quickly as possible and while any delays are naturally frustrating they are a normal part of this style of drilling. 

“Importantly, they do not impact the potential or integrity of the deposit or the potential ease of mining.”