Anglo American is currently developing the Woodsmith Mine - south of Whitby, North Yorkshire - to extract polyhalite, a unique multi-nutrient fertiliser. This operation requires deep shafts to access the mineral body ca. 1600m below surface and requires an extensive Mineral Transport System (MTS) to minimise any impact on the North York Moors National Park. At ca. 350m below surface, a series of Sprayed Concrete Lining tunnels will link the deep shafts to a conveyor belt system, which in turn will connect the mining operation via a 37km segmental lined tunnel to its materials handling facility in Wilton. From there the product will be transferred to the port in Teesside and shipped to customers around the word.
Anglo American with Worley as Engineering, Procurement and Construction Manager with the support of specialist contractor Redpath Deilmann are currently sinking the two 1600m deep service and production shafts and the 350m deep MTS shaft, and have recently completed the 25m x 15m elliptical shaft brow within the MTS Shaft Inset. Horizontal development of the MTS Station Chamber is also currently underway.
Dr. Sauer & Partners provides technical support to Worley for the ground support designs of the MTS Shaft Inset and Station Chamber with associated roadways. The MTS complex is developed within the Redcar Mudstone Formation and subject to the ground conditions, it is excavated using the drill & blast method or a roadheader. The ground support design consists of rock bolts, mine mesh and sprayed concrete lining. The design work was carried out remotely from our office in London.
In addition, Dr. Sauer & Partners provides on-site designer’s representation during the execution of the works.
Bolting
Drilling
Brow completed