York Potash offer lifeline to Newbridge Quarry

Operations likely to continue at Yorkshire quarry thanks to mining firm’s commitment to use local suppliers

CEMEX UK’s Newbridge Quarry, near Pickering, has staved off the threat of mothballing after an approach from York Potash – the company behind a proposed state-of-the-art new potash mine in North Yorkshire – regarding the supply aggregates for the construction of the new mine site, if planning permission is granted on 29 July.

As part of a commitment to use local suppliers, York Potash have indicated that Newbridge Quarry would be one of their preferred suppliers and could provide aggregates for the three-year construction phase of the new state-of-the-art mine.

This would secure the immediate future of the quarry, which lies in close proximity to the proposed mine site in Sneaton, safeguarding six direct jobs and many more in the local supply chain.

The agreement provides a significant boost to the quarry, which has been operating since 1897, after its workforce was given notice indicating that the site may close next month.

Gareth Edmunds, external affairs director for York Potash, said: ‘We’re committed to using local suppliers wherever possible and using local quarries not only benefits the local economy but also reduces the length of vehicle movements required.

‘The construction of the mine alone would add around £55million to the local economy, and this is just one example of how businesses in the area can benefit from the project.’

York Potash have already spent almost £6 million on suppliers across Yorkshire, a figure which is estimated to have supported an extra 23 jobs.

Ultimately, the proposed new mine would lead to the creation of around 1,000 direct jobs in the mining and processing operations, with many more in the supply and support economies.

Commenting on the news that Newbridge Quarry could now remain open, operations director Rob Doody said: ‘We are delighted that there is the opportunity to supply building material to York Potash.

‘The construction market has been at an all-time ‘low’ affecting the demand for aggregates, so it’s good news if we can keep the quarry open and our employees in work.’