Initial Planning Applications Approved

For immediate release: 16 JUNE 2011

Sirius Minerals Plc

("Sirius" or the "Company")

Initial Planning Applications Approved

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 the planning applications for the first two drill sites for the York Potash Project.

In a meeting held today (16th June) in Helmsley, North Yorkshire, the North York Moors National Park Planning Committee met to consider the first two of up to 10 drill site applications. The Members of the Committee approved the applications following the positive Officers' recommendation. The approval today was granted by a vote of the Members and the Company will be officially notified in writing in the coming days.

A further three applications have also been submitted prior to this meeting for consideration and are due to be consulted upon in the normal course of the planning process. These applications were not put before this meeting of the Committee as the consultation process is not yet complete.

Chris Fraser, Managing Director and CEO of Sirius, said:

"We are extremely pleased to be moving forward with our drilling programme. We believe the York Potash Project is world-class and of significant national importance to the United Kingdom. This drilling programme will help us define further the extent and quality of the potash deposit. It is our intent to commence site preparation works and then drilling as soon as practicable.

"The delivery of the approvals is in no small part due to the prompt and professional attention which our applications have received from the National Park Authority. We look forward to a continued and similarly professional association with the Officers and Members over the forthcoming years as we push forward with the York Potash Project."

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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.