The project began in 2010 with the acquisition of historical geological data and mineral rights in North Yorkshire.
Having raised funds for further exploration of the known potash (sylvite), polyhalite and related mineral deposits, it was discovered that the area contained the world’s largest, highest grade polyhalite resource, and began focusing on developing it as a new multinutrient fertiliser.
The project team set about the challenge of designing a revolutionary low environmental impact mine; securing planning permission to mine in a national park; raising funding from investors around the world; and constructing the deepest mine in Europe.
May 2010
Assessment of historical information begins, defining and securing large scale minerals rights in the area of interest and assembling a project team. Originally looking to produce high grade fertiliser sulphate of potash, they begin to study the known mineral deposits in the area.
January 2011
Funds are raised for further geological investigation to add to the data from 46 historical boreholes from oil and potash (sylvite) exploration after World War Two.
July 2011
Beginning of exploratory drilling. 17 new boreholes are drilled, revealing the scale and purity of polyhalite resource. The presence of multiple nutrients in the polyhalite deposit, combined with feedback from potential customers, prompts a change in strategy to target and sell pure polyhalite.
September 2012
Launch of planning permission process and identification of proposed mine head location. Dove’s Nest Farm, near the village of Sneaton, is chosen as the best location for the mineshafts.
May 2013
Geologists are able to infer that the company’s area of interest contains 2.66 billion tonnes of polyhalite at an average grade of 85.7%.
August 2015 – October 2015
Planning permissions granted for the project’s development from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and North York Moors National Park Authority.
March 2016
Definitive feasibility study published, outlining the detailed design, construction and cost of the mine.
February 2017
Opening Ceremony held at the mine site on Dove’s Nest Farm, near Whitby. It is renamed Woodsmith Mine in honour of the two original project geologists who worked for Chris Fraser, Peter Woods and Rick Smith.
May 2017
Construction starts
April 2019
Drive 1 tunneling machine launched – she is named ‘Stella Rose’ by a group of local school children.
March 2020
Anglo American plc acquires the project.
