A COMPANY behind a multibillion pound fertiliser mine is a step closer to beginning work after receiving final approval for a harbour.

Sirius Minerals says no legal objections have been raised over its plans for a Teesside base.

The Government approved the harbour in July and no challenges have been made in the intervening judicial review period.

It means Sirius now has all major approvals to build its mine on the former Doves Nest Farm, near Whitby.

The loading site, on the mouth of the River Tees, is expected to ship Sirius’ polyhalite fertiliser from its York Potash mine to customers around the world.

Bosses say the harbour will oversee distribution of polyhalite after it is transported via an underground conveyor belt to a handling site, at Wilton, near Redcar.

Officials hope to start production in 2021 and previously hinted construction of the mine could start this year.

Once operational, the mine is expected to create and support thousands of jobs.

The company is continuing to finalise funding arrangements for the scheme with prospective lenders.

AMC UK was previously revealed as the preferred contractor to develop the mine, with the Hochtief Murphy joint venture selected to build the mineral transport system, which will take the polyhalite to Wilton.