23rd Oct 2013 10:09
LONDON (Alliance News) - Sirius Minerals PLC Wednesday said it is considering resubmitting a planning application for its planned potash project in the North York Moors, focusing it on the areas of concern being expressed by the National Park Authority and expanding it to cover a new area that falls under a different planning authority.
It said doing so would simplify the planning process while still keeping it within the previously expected timetable.
Sirius said it is considering extending the underground project boundary to an area that is outside the North York Moors National park, meaning it would have to submit identical planning applications to the National Park Authority and North Yorkshire County Council.
It said a resubmitted planning application would also focus on the areas of concern raised by the National Park authority, after the two sides talked about what the company will need to do to get permission to mine.
"The Company is making good progress towards the approvals needed for the York Potash Project and the involvement of the County Council is unlikely to impact our current timescales given its minerals planning experience," Chief Executive Chris Fraser said in a statement.
Sirius Minerals wants to dig potash out of the North York Moors national park, but is coming up against environmental protests. The National Park Authority has raised several environmental concerns that has delayed the mining approval process.
Last month, the miner said tests at the proposed site had revealed a big reserved of high-quality potash ore.
Sirius Minerals shares were up 1.4% at 8.95 pence Wednesday morning.
By Steve McGrath; [email protected]; @SteveMcGrath1
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