A COMPANY behind a 1,000-job fertiliser mine says it is pushing on with excavation work after confirming its project remains “on time and on budget”.

Sirius Minerals says it is making good progress at its Woodsmith Mine, near Whitby, and a separate site at Lockwood Beck, near Guisborough, east Cleveland.

The mine will extract the fertiliser polyhalite, reputed for its potassium, magnesium, sulphur and calcium content that encourages strong crop growth, with production expected to get underway in late 2021.

Referring to its progress, Chris Fraser, Sirius’ managing director and chief executive, said: “Activity levels at the Woodsmith Mine continue to increase every month and now step up significantly as we commence diaphragm walling activities.

“Our team, including employees and contractors, continues to grow as we expand the company's execution capability and we are pleased with the progress being made and the positive attitude across the expanding team.”

Sirius will move its polyhalite underground to Wilton, near Redcar, where it will be stored before being delivered to customers from a new harbour.