Mining workshop . Once it goes underground , nothing comes to the surface for services .
In co-ordination with parent company ICL , Cleveland Potash has garnered major international clients such as GrowHow , Yara International and Roullier Groupe and sells to clients as far away as Brazil . It does not ordinarily sell to Asia because its sister mine Iber Potash does this .
When Baines joined the organisation a decade ago it was on the back of the closure of the Selby coalfield and he soon capitilised on the skillset readily available .
He said : “ Some were doing schooling on their own and doing degrees in engineering . It was evident to me there were people who had been here 30 years who were really good , practical guys .
“ I really set about trying to formalise this . I ’ m now President of the Midland Institute of Mining Engineers and through this , I promote best practice and strive to develop people .
“ Over the last seven to 10 years , we have done agronomic trials with the polyhalite and it ’ s fair to say that every single pot test and trial it has not shown any detriment to any crop .”
“ The ( Polyhalite ) compressive strength can be up to 150mpa compared 30mpa for the potash so it is significantly stronger … but the mine has stood as firm as an office ”
– Phil Baines
Operations Inside Boulby mine
– Phil Baines www . clevelandpotash . co . uk 63