Anglo American expects to start excavating “the deepest mineshaft in Europe” before the end of 2020 at the Woodsmith project polyhalite mine on the North Yorkshire coast.
SBR
The South African mining giant, which bought the project in January 2020 from Sirius Minerals for £400 million, is currently assembling its first 60-metre Shaft Boring Roadheader (SBR).
The SBR will sink the service shaft down through to the polyhalite seam some 1,600m (one mile) beneath the surface.
The machine is built in sections at the top of the pre-excavated foreshaft and each section is moved to the shaft before being slowly lowered.
It is then moved over to the main mine shaft and winched down the 60-metre deep pre-excavated foreshaft.
“The SBR is designed to simultaneously excavate, muck out and line the shaft with each sectio performing a specific function,” said Anglo American.
“It is quicker and safer than traditional drill and blast shaft sinking methods.
“It is only the third time the machine will be used anywhere in the world to dig what will be the deepest mine shafts in Europe, demonstrating our commitment to innovation and safety.”
The company expects to launch the machine towards the end of 2020.
UNDERGROUND MINE
The mineshaft is one of two being constructed to reach the 2.3 billion tonnes of mineral polyhalite deposit, which will be sold as natural fertiliser.
The underground mine will be connected to a 23-mile long tunnel to transport the ore to Teesside for processing and shipping. The tunnelling operation has so far reached 4.5 miles.
INVESTMENT
Anglo American expects to invest approximately £235 million in each of 2020 and 2021.
Further work includes building the mineshafts, the first section of the tunnel from Teesside, completion of the mine, tunnel, processing and shipping facilities before starting production.
The company has also increased the workforce from 400 to 1,000 with further recruitment anticipated over the remainder of the year.
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