THE owners of Europe's deepest mine last night dismissed reports that the jobs of its 830 workers might be under immediate threat.

Management at Boulby Potash mine, in east Cleveland, said that, while high energy costs were an ongoing concern, there were no immediate threats to the business, or any risk to jobs. They said confusion had arisen following a BBC television report.

General manager Graham Clarke said: "It is unfortunate that some media reports have created the impression that there is an immediate threat to the mine and the jobs of our employees. That is simply not the case."

However, a spokeswoman for the BBC said that it stood by the local news report, which it said accurately reflected the concerns of the mine's owners, who are campaigning about energy costs.

She said: "We have footage showing one of the mine's managers saying that if energy prices continue to rise, the viability of the mine could be in doubt, and that is what we have reported."

Cleveland Potash said energy costs were affecting many major industrial companies.

Mr Clarke said: "The reality facing our operation is no different than that which is affecting all high energy users across the industry.

"We have experienced very significant rises in energy costs over recent years which do pose a challenge in enabling us to compete in the international marketplace.

"At this stage we want to reassure our staff, customers and the local community as a whole that the operation at Boulby is continuing as normal and suggestions of jobs at the mine being 'in the balance' are without foundation."

Whitby MP Robert Goodwill was briefed by managers on energy costs during a visit on Friday, and the company called for support from MPs, local authorities and the community to press its case for action.

The mine helps support 150 contractors and up to 4,000 jobs indirectly across the east Cleveland and North Yorkshire area.