Jobs at the Woodsmith Mine near Whitby have been deemed as safe by Anglo American as plans to ramp up construction from 2028 gather pace.
A slow-down was announced in 2024 because Anglo American couldn’t financially continue development at the rate it was. Redundancies followed, amid fears the project – to mine the natural mineral fertiliser, polyhalite – would be moth-balled.
However, at the latest Liaison Group Forum, held at Hawsker last week, it was revealed the current work-force, which stands at 1,000, will be maintained for the next couple of years when it is expected construction will be upped again from its current core and maintenance programme.
More than three quarters of jobs at Woodsmith are occupied by local people.
The boost follows Anglo American’s investment agreement with Mitsubishi Corporation to support construction of the mine near Sneaton.
Updating the meeting, Matt Parsons, head of social performance, said: “We are in the most positive position we have been in, as a project, since the slow down was announced two years ago.
“It is encouraging to know the investment is still there while we are in this slow down.
“We will continue with sinking the surface shaft, continue with tunnelling and continue with mine development activity.
“It means the workforce – which stands at 1,000 people – we expect it will remain at that level for the next couple of years before we ramp up construction again.”
Mr Parsons said during this time, Anglo American and Mitsubishi will be working together on developing the market and pricing points for polyhalite, with Anglo American having started selling granulated polyhalite, sourced from Boulby Mine in a commercial agreement, into key markets.
It follows a merger agreement, struck in September 2025, between Anglo American and Teck Resources. The necessary approvals to progress to completion of the deal are now being sought.
Discussions are also continuing with other potential investors.
Anglo American is now looking at feasibility studies in order to secure approvals, which Mr Parsons conceded was unusual for a project already commenced.
He said: “We absolutely recognise it seems counter-intuitive to talk about feasibility studies and investment when £3.6bn has been spent on this project to date and it has been in construction since 2017.
“Usually you would do the study, get investment and then start, but in our case, Anglo American acquired Sirius and a project already under construction. It shows the commitment and confidence in the project that investment is continuing.
“Everything we are doing over the next couple of years is focused on reducing risk and increasing certainty. We are making good progress on the things we are in control of and the aim is to reaccelerate from 2028.”
Two years ago, Anglo American couldn’t afford to continue developing the mine but there has since been a reduction in its portfolio with a focus now on iron, ore and crop nutrient projects.
“Woodsmith is part of that future”, added Mr Parsons. “Financially and operationally, to stop now and start again would be more expensive and damaging than carrying on as we are.”
Earlier this month, a section 73 planning application to vary original planning consent conditions was submitted by Anglo American to the North York Moors National Park Authority.
They included a building to cover the new ventilation shaft, recommended as part of a technical review, retention of the winder house building for storage and relocation of a welfare building.
A decision is expected in the next couple of months for a separate application, submitted in February, for two off-site exploratory boreholes at Partridge Hill Farm, Fylingdales and Dean Hall Farm, Littlebeck.
Jessica Taylor, a senior planning officer at the National Park Authority, updated the meeting on progress.
She said planners were awaiting the results of consultations with Natural England, Highways, the Environment Agency and parish councils.
Public consultations had so far generated concerns about potential for noise, disturbance, light pollution and highway safety.
