JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Prior to granting planning approval for Aim-listed Sirius Minerals’ York potash project, in the UK, the North York Moors National Park Authority (NYMNPA) and its specialist consultants have requested additional information, the company reported on Friday.
The requested information centred on aspects of the submitted environmental statement, particularly around hydrological issues, and must be provided by April 3 to enable the NYMNPA to meet the proposed application decision date of May 21.
The potash development company said it was confident of being able to provide this information in the requested time.
“Requests for extra information are a normal part of the planning process for major applications. We believe we have an exceptionally strong planning case and remain committed to providing all the information that is reasonably requested for the National Park to meet its required timescales," commented Sirius CEO and MD Chris Fraser.
Production at the project was scheduled to start in late 2016 with production to ramp up to five-million tons a year by 2018. Sirius would spend up to $1.7-billion on the project to reach first production.
Further, Sirius said it was also made aware of a holding objection by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in relation to the RAF Fylingdales – a Royal Air Force station located adjacent to the York project area.
Sirius reported that it was in ongoing dialogue with the MoD and was confident that it could provide the necessary technical information required to demonstrate that there would be no impact on this facility.