York Potash Project approvals update

9 May 2013

Sirius Minerals Plc

York Potash Project approvals update

The Directors of Sirius Minerals Plc (AIM: SXX, OTCQX: SRUXY) ("Sirius" or the "Company") are pleased to provide an update on the York Potash Project planning approval process.

As part of its timetable to make a determination on the York Potash Project planning application, the North York Moors National Park Authority ("NYMNPA" or "the Authority") has prepared an 'issues report' for its planning committee.

The report is a snapshot of the planning considerations and does not account for all of the additional information recently provided to the NYMNPA on 22 April 2013. This information was provided by the Company following a range of information requests by the NYMNPA and is currently subject to a re-consultation exercise by the Authority with statutory consultees.

The report's recommendation is for members of the committee to hold a site visit prior to the planning determination date on 2 July 2013. The Company welcomes the move to hold a site visit before the determination date in order to make a decision in a timely fashion.

MoD holding objection

Following the submission to the Ministry of Defence ("MoD") on 18 March 2013 of a detailed technical report on the likely impact of the York Potash Project on the RAF Fylingdales facility, the MoD has provided a response to the Company. It has accepted the general conclusions and recommendations relating to the low risk of subsidence effects, but has also requested some further reassurances on this point, which the Company is in the process of providing. The MoD has also requested some additional work to prove the assumptions relating to vibration impact, given the sensitivity of the Fylingdales facility. This work is also in progress and the Company remains confident that on-going discussions and work will demonstrate that there is no impact on the facility.

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

"We welcome the fact the determination process is in full swing as this remains an extremely compelling application and project for both the local area and the UK as a whole and we look forward to a determination in due course." 

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About Sirius Minerals Plc

Sirius Minerals is a globally diversified potash development company. Its primary focus is to bring on stream major potash mining facilities through the acquisition and development of projects overlying recognised potash deposits. Today it holds properties in the United Kingdom (North Yorkshire), the United States (North Dakota), and Australia (Queensland). 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.