BOSSES behind a proposed £1.5bn potash mine says the plans will create more than 6,000 jobs in 10 years.

Sirius Minerals say its York Potash Project, at Sneaton, near Whitby, North Yorkshire, will put £940m into the local economy every year if it is allowed to access 2.6 billion tonnes of polyhalite fertiliser at the site.

The company commissioned a report by consultancy firm, ERS, which says the mine will create about 2,700 new jobs and support thousands of existing construction and production posts during a 10-year period.

The report states if the project, which has received opposition from the North York Moors National Park and Caravan Club bosses, and criticism from a rival claiming Sirius faces weak market demand, is rejected, more than 330 jobs and £46m supply chain cash would be lost.

National Park bosses are due to consider the proposals on July 2, with Sirius saying it will train more than 500 people in three years and put £7m into the economy every year.

Chris Fraser, chief executive of Sirius Minerals, said: “The report provides independent confirmation of the York Potash Project’s ability to transform the economy and represent unrivalled investment for North Yorkshire.

“It will create jobs, improve skills and bring prosperity for generations.”

Last week, Sirius said it had reached agreements with unnamed fertiliser distributors and manufacturers to supply 310,000 tonnes of polyhalite a year, including 60,000 tonnes in the UK, for the farming industry.

It already has a deal with Swiss firm, Keytrade AG, to provide 1.75 million tonnes of the mineral each year.