Potato Trial Results

2 April 2015RNS Reach 

Sirius Minerals Plc

Potato Trial Results

The Directors of Sirius Minerals Plc (AIM: SXX, OTCQX: SRUXY) ("Sirius" or the "Company") provide an update on the latest results from its ongoing global crop study programme.

This update provides results from the recently completed potato studies at three separate universities, the Scottish Agricultural College ("SAC"), the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin.

The world potato market is estimated at 365 million tonnes in 2012 and grown on 19.3 million hectares. Because potatoes are sensitive to harmful chlorides, they are an ideal crop for polyhalite which is essentially chloride-free. Potatoes also have a large need for sulphur, one of the main nutrients in polyhalite. The European Union accounts for 13% of the overall global potato production, and also has the highest level of potato consumption in the world at ~90 kg per capita per year.

Specifics of the trial work included, at SAC, comparisons of SOP, MOP and polyhalite as potassium sources in a nutrient balanced trial (including Mg and S) were completed. At the University of Wisconsin, a magnesium rate response trial using polyhalite as the Mg source (balanced for N, P, K, Ca and S) was compared to the fully balanced MOP alternative. At the University of Minnesota, a balanced straights and blends study was executed.

As with previous trials, these results show significant yield increases of between 9% and 10%. Other highlights demonstrate that polyhalite improved emergence by measuring stand counts by 13% and reduced glucose content by 20% which is important for product frying.

Chris Fraser, Managing Director and CEO of Sirius, commented:

"By carrying out these trials in these important markets like the United States and UK, where potatoes are a key crop, we continue to validate the effectiveness and value of polyhalite."

An agronomy update presentation and webcast has been uploaded to the Company website www.siriusminerals.com.

For further information, please contact:

About Sirius Minerals Plc

Sirius Minerals is a potash development company with properties in the United Kingdom (North Yorkshire) and the United States (North Dakota). Its primary focus is the development of the York Potash Project which has the world's largest and highest grade deposit of polyhalite, a multi-nutrient form of potash containing potassium, sulphur, magnesium and calcium. Incorporated in 2003, Sirius Minerals' shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market. Its shares are also traded in the United States on the OTCQX through a sponsored ADR facility. Further information on the Company can be found at www.siriusminerals.com.