The worldwide demand for Polysulphate products from the ICL Boulby mine in East Cleveland has been underlined by figures for 2021 which show that during the year over 2.3million tonnes were handled from its storage and handling facilities on Teesside.

During the year its terminal at Teesdock handled 171ships. Over 820,000 tonnes of Polysulphate was transported by sea to destinations including Brazil, the USA, China and India. The company’s operations were significantly enhanced with an agreement with PD Ports, enabling products to be shipped in containers, loaded and despatched at Teesport.

Read more: ICL Boulby sending fertiliser polyhalite to China and Brazil

Meanwhile 2022 has got off to a positive start with new records in January for mining and processing totals, demonstrating, says ICL Boulby Vice President and General Manager Andrew Fulton, the progress in improving its production techniques.

He said: “Of course, in common with many other businesses we have faced major challenges as a result of the pandemic but, thanks to the commitment of everyone involved in all aspects of our operations - and the sustained support of our parent company-we have continued to drive forward our transition from decades of mining potash to become the world’s first and only producer of the unique multi-nutrient mineral polyhalite (marketed as Polysulphate) which is playing an ever-increasing role in supporting farmers and grower across five continents.”

At the end of last year the mine won approval for another 25 years of work at the site - even though it would cost it almost £9million for landscape enhancements and £5million towards tourism activities.

The decision from the North York Moors Park Authority Planning Committee has been hailed by Mr Fulton as “a major step forward in securing the future of our business and our ability to continue providing jobs and investment for many years ahead”.

The decision to approve the application covered the continuation of polyhalite and salt production until 2048 after the current permission expires in 2023.

 

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