21 Jul 2011 12:04
21 JULY 2011
Sirius Minerals Plc
("Sirius" or the "Company")
Further Planning Approvals and Drilling Update
The Directors of Sirius Minerals Plc (AIM: SXX, OTCQX: SRUXY), the globally diversified potash development group, are pleased to announce the approval by the North York Moors National Park Authority of two additional planning applications for drill sites for the York Potash Project.
In a meeting held today in Helmsley, North Yorkshire, the Members of the North York Moors National Park Planning Committee approved the applications following the Officers' positive recommendation.
Following the successful early completion of the preparation work at its first drill site near Hawsker in North Yorkshire and procurement of critical components Sirius expects the first drill rig to be on-site next week. Given the amount of anticipation and interest in the first drill hole Sirius will update the market when drilling has commenced. At this time, Sirius will also provide an expected schedule for the completion of the first hole.
Site preparations have now also commenced at the second drill site near Ugglebarnby, North Yorkshire.
Chris Fraser, Managing Director and CEO of Sirius, said:
"After months of preparation and planning, drilling at the York Potash Project is about to commence. This is an exciting time for Sirius and represents the culmination of the lot of hard work by everyone involved. However, this is only the beginning of defining the quality and extent of this important potash deposit in North Yorkshire."
For further information, please contact:
Sirius Minerals Plc | |||
Chris Fraser(MD & CEO) | Tel: +44 7582711382 or +61 404 073 288 | Andrew Lindsay(FD & CFO) | Tel: +44 20 7917 2800 |
NOMAD | Joint Brokers | Media Enquiries | |
Beaumont Cornish Limited | Liberum Capital Limited | XCAP Securities Plc | Gth Media Relations |
Roland Cornish, James Biddle | Michael Rawlinson, Clayton Bush | John Grant, Karen Kelly, David Newton | Toby Hall, Christian Pickel |
Tel: +44 20 7628 3396 | Tel: + 44 20 3100 2222 | Tel: +44 20 7101 7070 | Tel: + 44 20 3103 3903 |
About Sirius Minerals Plc
Sirius Minerals is a globally diversified potash development company. Its primary focus is to bring on stream major potash mining facilities through the acquisition and development of projects overlying recognised potash deposits. Today it holds properties in the United Kingdom (North Yorkshire), the United States (North Dakota), and Australia (Queensland and Western Australia).
The Company is additionally progressing ongoing Research and Development initiatives into the secondary uses of salt and potash beds for energy storage and carbon dioxide sequestration.
Incorporated in 2003, Sirius Minerals' shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market. Its shares are also traded in the United States on the OTCQX through the use of a sponsored ADR facility. Further information on the Company can be found at www.siriusminerals.com.