A PUBLIC consultation as part of an application to guarantee the continued operation of a mine in the region is set to open.

On Tuesday, October 1, consultations into an application for ICL Boulby near Loftus, for it to remain operational for a further 25 years will open, with a series of exhibition roadshows being held in nearby towns and villages.

The mine, which is the world's only polyhalite mine, supplies a new type of organic fertiliser to what it claims, 22 countries across five continents.

However, current planning permission that was granted by the North York Moors Park Authority in 1968 is expected to come to an end in 2023.

Andrew Fulton, general manager at ICL Boulby, said renewed permission "underlined" the firm's commitment to securing it's long-term future as the world's only producer of polyhalite.

He said: "Following our successful move to polyhalite production, the planning application is the next phase in our 'Building Boulby's Future' strategy which aims to drive forward an increase in our production to a target of 1.3million tonnes per year by 2023, securing over 500 jobs and ensuring that we continue to make a major contribution to the economy of East Cleveland and the wider area.

"Already, with the support from our parent company ICL, we have invested over £30million in delivering the transition to polyhalite and our products, marketed as Polysulphate – are now helping farmers and grower to increase growth and yields in countries across five continents."

The firm's exhibition roadshows are being held throughout October and is part of ICL Boulby's pre-application consultation programme, which ends on October 30.

Mr Fulton added: "We hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to come along to the public exhibitions to find our more about what we have achieved already in becoming the world's first and only polyhalite mine and how our plans can secure its future."

The dates and times of the consultation's exhibition are:

  • October 1, Hinderwell Village Hall, 2pm-8pm
  • October 2, Mulgrave Community Sports Centre, 2pm-8pm
  • October 4, Loftus Town Hall, 2pm-8pm
  • October 9, Staithes Village Hall, 2pm-8pm
  • October 10, Skinningrove Village Hall, 2pm-8pm
  • October 12, Skelton Civic Centre, 9am-2pm
  • October 15, Mickleby Village Hall, 2pm-8pm
  • October 26, Marske Leisure Centre, 9am-2pm