Latest figures demonstrate significant contribution of the Woodsmith Project to the local economy
20 May, 2026
The annual Social Impact Report states that the project added £127 million to the regional economy in 2025, meaning a total of nearly £2billion has been generated since 2017 when construction began.
There are 1,000 people currently employed on the project of which 76% are from the region. This strong local workforce is expected to grow further in future phases, with employment forecast to peak at more than 2,500 during construction.
In addition, Anglo American continues its programme of social investment across Teesside and North Yorkshire, through its Thriving Communities Programme, the Woodsmith Foundation, and planning commitments.
The Thriving Communities programme delivers long-term socio-economic benefits in the area around the project site by focusing on livelihoods, education, health and community facilities.
The Woodsmith Project is currently being developed to mine polyhalite, a natural mineral fertiliser. Alongside projects to improve skills to create new local businesses, the livelihoods programme is building connections in the region’s food and farming sector to understand how Anglo American could help to support resilience across the wider agricultural sector.
Head of Social Performance Matt Parsons said: “We are incredibly proud of the investment we put into our local communities, not just financially but in terms of wider support for groups who need it most, like young people across our areas of Teesside and North Yorkshire.
“Our education programme, Achieve, delivered jointly with the Woodsmith Foundation, is an excellent example of our ambition to create lasting change. It demonstrates that with considered and consistent support we can protect and nurture the potential of the next generation. By giving young people skills, confidence and support they need, we’re not just creating opportunities for them now, but helping to build a brighter future for the region.”
The Achieve programme works intensively with six pilot schools and, in parallel, offers careers support to all seventeen state-funded secondary schools in Redcar & Cleveland and on the North Yorkshire Coast – leading to over 9000 student engagements last year alone.
The intense initiative provides 150 students with a comprehensive package of support including professional mentoring, extracurricular activities, and personal, social, and emotional development - and it’s working.
A major independent study recently confirmed that Achieve is making a real difference. The students report feeling more confident, happier, and more motivated, with a greater willingness to try new things, and a more positive view of the future. The report also found positive changes in essential skills, alongside improvements in attitudes to learning, behaviour and attendance. Parents, carers, and teachers also report seeing real positive changes in the young people as a result of taking part with one parent saying, “My child seems to feel she can do and be who she wants now.”
The Woodsmith project is a multi-billion-pound investment that will drive growth and exports, create high value jobs and strengthen the long-term prosperity of the region as a whole.
The full report is available here: https://uk.angloamerican.com/~/media/Files/A/Anglo-American-Group-v9/UK/social-impact-report-2025.pdf