Anglo American has appointed Stantec as one of its engineering and project delivery partners for feasibility study services for the Woodsmith mine project in North Yorkshire.

Stantec’s scope includes the engineering of hoisting, shafts, material handling and underground infrastructure for the polyhalite fertiliser mine which is being built on the largest known deposit of polyhalite in the world.

Stantec will work with Anglo American and Fluor, which recently announced as providing feasibility study services for the project.

Polyhalite is a naturally occurring mineral with essential nutrients to help crops thrive - potassium, sulphur, magnesium and calcium.

“This project reflects the growing need to balance resource development with environmental stewardship,” said John Ord, business director for Stantec’s energy and resources business in the UK and Ireland.

“Our team brings deep experience in hoisting and shafts as well as underground infrastructure and integrated project delivery, and we’re looking forward to working alongside Anglo American and Fluor to advance this important project. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply our global capabilities in the UK market, supporting the need for sustainable agricultural production while minimising impact on the natural landscape.”

Situated beneath the North York Moors National Park, the project is designed to meet strict environmental requirements, including limitations on surface structures, noise and light. To minimise surface impact, key infrastructure such as headframes will be located underground - an approach that is uncommon in global mining projects.

The Woodsmith mine will extract polyhalite, known as the product POLY4 and used to support soil health and food production. Once developed, the project is expected to play a role in strengthening long-term agricultural supply chains.