Written by John Swire
As it approaches the end of the first full year since becoming the world’s first and only producer of the ground-breaking mineral polyhalite, ICL Boulby has revealed record-breaking figures for November.
Today the mine’s General Manager and Vice President Andrew Fulton paid tribute to the united efforts of all staff which saw the East Cleveland mine hoist and process over 75,000 tonnes last month, putting it well on track towards its target of hitting a million tonnes next year and up to three millions tonnes by 2030.
The decision to make the transition to polyhalite, marketed as Polysulphate—which contains four nutrients vital to plant growth—was made as economically viable reserves of potash, which had been mined for over 40 years, neared exhaustion.
Demand for the Boulby products has grown rapidly and now it is being used by farmers and growers across five continents.
Said Mr Fulton “This has been a vital year for everyone involved with Boulby—the workforce at the mine, our distribution and processing terminal at Teesport and all those involved in marketing and developing a growing range of polyhalite-based products.
“It is their united effort which enabled us to reach our November hoist target of 75,000 tonnes with 30 hours to spare. Achieving the rapid progress we have made throughout the year has involved everyone being prepared to meet the challenges of accepting new operating techniques and processes, coupled with strong support and investment from our parent company.
“As the world’s first and only polyhalite mine, we have learned many lessons in developing the potential of this revolutionary mineral which means we are in a strong position to move forward in securing the future of our business, providing valuable jobs and continuing to make a major contribution to the East Cleveland area and the wider Tees Valley.”
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