Anglo American has announced a “slowdown” at its polyhalite operation, Woodsmith Mine near Whitby, resulting in the loss of approximately 180 out of 360 directly employed roles. Contractors have also been instructed to reduce staff, and work on one of the mine’s two shafts has been paused.
The project—featuring a 23-mile (37 km) tunnel to the River Tees—will decelerate, with the reduced staffing levels expected to remain in place for 18 months.
Tom McCulley, CEO of Anglo American’s crop nutrients division, cited budget constraints as the reason for the slowdown and emphasized the importance of transparent communication with affected employees.
Redpath, a key contractor, will decrease its workforce at Woodsmith from 700 to 300, with many employees reassigned to other projects. By mid-2025, Anglo American anticipates employing around 900 people on the project—representing a 60% reduction in contractor roles compared to current levels.
The Woodsmith Mine, which began construction in 2017 and was acquired by Anglo American in 2020, has been a significant employer, supporting up to 2,000 jobs at its peak.
This decision underscores the financial pressures facing large-scale industrial initiatives and the difficult choices required to maintain viability. Despite the setbacks, McCulley remains optimistic about the project’s future, stating that work on the service shaft—currently halfway to its target depth of 2,600 ft (800 m)—will continue, and that the slowdown is a temporary measure to manage current budget constraints.
AFRIQOM Market Reporter