Sirius Minerals signs shaft sinking contract with DMC Mining Services

Sirius Minerals has entered into a design and build contract with shaft sinking and mining contractor DMC Mining Services for the construction of the four shafts required for its polyhalite project in North Yorkshire.

Managing director and chief executive officer Chris Fraser said: "Sirius continually seeks opportunities to use innovations and a commercial approach to accelerate development and unlock value. DMC has proven, world leading experience using Herrenknecht SBR technology on deep shafts and represents a strong partner, commercially aligned to our success.

"We are confident that they can deliver the North Yorkshire polyhalite project shafts significantly earlier than all previous expectations and we look forward to working with the team."

Sirius had been in talks with AMC in respect of finalising the shaft sinking contract following the notice of award in July last year, but due to protracted discussions with the group regarding commercial arrangements, it also engaged with DMC and other shaft sinking companies to consider alternatives.

"Through this process, it has become clear that DMC, with their extensive and proven shaft sinking experience, are a strong construction partner for Sirius and will bring technical opportunities and a commercial partnership that can unlock potential savings in the construction schedule," it said.

As a result, Sirius has terminated ongoing arrangements it had for the shafts with AMC.