A PROJECT to build a fertiliser mine has taken another step forward after bosses officially named the development.

Sirius Minerals says the site will be known as Woodsmith Mine.

The development, which is expected to create more than 1,000 direct jobs and support a similar number in the supply chain, aims to extract the fertiliser polyhalite from land near Whitby, with production planned to get underway in late 2021.

It has been named after two of the project’s original geologists, Peter Woods and Dr Frederick Smith.

Chris Fraser, Sirius’ managing director and chief executive, said: “Without Rick and Peter’s commitment there wouldn’t be a project and their extensive knowledge and passion has been invaluable.

“The name also implies an element of rural craftsmanship that befits the mine’s location and our teams’ innovation and diligence.”

Mr Woods previously played a leading role in the exploration of the potash deposit that led to the development of Boulby mine, in east Cleveland, in the late 1960s, where he became chief geologist and stayed for the next 15 years.

Dr Smith was born in County Durham and, after gaining a first-class degree and doctorate in geology from Durham University, started his career in 1973 at British Steel before moving to ICI as their geologist.

Sirius has started on road improvements to enhance access to its mine site, with detailed site preparation work expected to begin in April, as Mr Fraser told The Northern Echo would happen last year.

The mine’s name was revealed in a plaque unveiling ceremony by Northern Powerhouse Minister Andrew Percy.

He added: “The Woodsmith Mine has the potential to create over a thousand jobs and generate billions of pounds of exports for the region.

“I’m excited to see it progress.”

Sirius previously revealed a financing plan, which included the issuing of new shares to raise up to £400m and convertible bonds to bring in a further £350m, to pave the way for building work.

The move came after Australia’s richest woman, Gina Rinehart, backed Sirius through her Hancock British Holdings enterprise to the tune of £250m.

Sirius has already chosen contractors to build its mine and a separate transport system, which will move fertiliser underground to Teesside for storage and subsequent shipment from a new harbour.