Investigation underway at potash mine after man killed in gas blow-out

A MAN has been killed in a gas “blow-out” at one of Europe’s deepest mines, based in Yorkshire.

Management at ICL UK Boulby mine, in East Cleveland, announced the death of mine worker John Anderson after an incident underground on Friday.

The company said that there was a “sudden and powerful release” of gas at the mine.

The site is known for excavating potash, a key ingredient in making fertiliser.

The company said there will be a “full and detailed” investigation into the incident.

Simon Hunter, safety manager, said: “Naturally everyone involved with Boulby is affected by this tragic incident.  First and foremost our thoughts are with John’s family and friends and we will be doing everything we can to help and support them through this very difficult time.

“The investigations into the incident have already begun but they are at a very early stage. We will be co-operating fully with the Mines Inspectorate in order that we can discover exactly what happened.”

He added: “What we do know at this stage there was what we describe as a ‘gas blow’.  A gas blow is a sudden release of a small amount of gas at exceedingly high pressure which also displaces mineral.  These events are not uncommon and we have procedures in place to ensure safe working, there is no suggestion to say that these procedures were not being followed.  At this early stage of the investigation it would appear that this particular event was unprecedented.”

The mine runs 24 hours a day and is one of Europe’s deepest, dropping to a depth of 1,400 metres, with tunnels reaching far out under the North Sea.

It has 1,000 employees and can produce up to one million tonnes of potash each year.

In April, seven workers were taken to hospital following an underground fire at the mine.