Sirius Minerals names boss of York potash mega mine

Now we know the name of the man who will lead the biggest mining project in recent British history.

Sirius Minerals have appointed Alan Watling to head up the huge York Potash development.

Potash is a key ingredient in fertiliser, farmers use it to replenish potassium in the soil to make sure they achieve strong crop yields.

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The York project will see large drilling operations in the area between Scarborough and Whitby on the north East coast of England, and across the North York Moors.

Watling's last job was as Chief Executive of African Minerals, where he was responsible for the greenfield Tonkolili Project, a fully integrated iron ore mining and infrastructure project in Sierra Leone. Before that he worked at Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals Group.

Commenting on his appointing, Watling said: "The York Potash Project is the most important and exciting mining development in the UK and comes at a time when the region is in genuine need of economic stimulation.

"I understand the challenges of such a development but also the significant benefits that a project like York Potash can deliver".

Sirius Minerals shares were up 3.75% at 8:52.

BS