York Potash announces preferred contractors
9 June 2016Great Britain – Sirius Minerals has revealed that the Hochtief Murphy joint venture is favoured to construct the mineral transport system at its North Yorkshire polyhalite project. This is the highlight of the York Potash job for the tunnelling industry and consists of a 23-mile (37km), 4.1m-diameter tunnel to transport ore from the mine site to the nearby port.
There will also be three intermediate shafts to support construction, then during operation they will be used for ventilation and maintenance access.
Five hard rock machines will excavate the Redcar Mudstone. Planning consent has been given for a 6m-diameter tunnel, but the design is still being finalised and the range being explored is 4-6m diameter. The tunnel will be lined with segmental rings with sprayed concrete for caverns.
