JOB losses at a mining firm could be brought forward, The Northern Echo understands.

ICL UK has not ruled out accelerating staff cuts as reserves run down at its mine in Boulby, east Cleveland.

The business has been forced into changes after tests showed traditional potash fertiliser stocks are close to exhaustion.

The company told The Northern Echo no firm decisions on bringing forward cuts have been made but admitted the operation is facing tough market conditions.

Bosses last year revealed their shock potash find meant 700 posts were under threat.

Around half that figure, made up of ICL staff and contractors, are understood to have now left, and officials previously said they expected the remaining half to be released in 2018 when supplies are fully expended.

However, one worker said chiefs held talks with staff this week, wherein they refused to rule out the prospect of hastening job losses.

He added: “There will be more redundancies by the end of the year down here, though we won’t know what’s happening for months.”

To mitigate the loss of traditional potash, ICL is switching its attention to the fertiliser polyhalite, which experts say has numerous nutrients needed for strong crop growth.

A new plant to process the mineral is under construction and the firm, known locally as Cleveland Potash, previously said it hopes to be annually mining about three million tonnes of the fertiliser after 2020.

Bosses also exclusively told The Northern Echo last year they had started a planning application to extend the mine’s life by another 40 years.

Referring to job changes, a spokesman refrained from confirming any decisions on bringing forward cuts.

However, he reiterated the fact the company is regularly assessing its position as it battles tough market conditions, which include falling demand and selling prices.

He said: “Since we announced a major restructuring, we have continued to review the options for the business.

“That is continuing and during recent discussions with staff, managing director, Marc Kirsten, made clear the review of all possible options is continuing.

“He also explained the business conditions facing the company, including the challenging global potash market.

“The primary task is to secure ongoing production of potash products while the transition to polyhalite takes place.

“We are committed to safeguarding the future of the business and we will provide further information to staff at the earliest opportunity.”

Earlier this month, The Northern Echo revealed ICL UK’s parent company, Israel Chemicals Limited, had been left with a near £3m write down from its shock potash discovery at Boulby.