Early bath, in auction -8.1%

ooops no games - should reverse more next week hopefully..... was looking for a lower price - expect more drop...2016 to production is a heck of a long way off be plenty fund raisings in the meantime...

Sirius changes York Potash construction model The share price of Sirius Minerals
(SXX) went into reverse after the prospective Yorkshire potash producer revealed that it plans to adopt an Engineering Procurement Construction Management (EPCM) model for the construction of its flagship York Potash Project.

The decision is in line with last year’s project study recommendation, but it means that the previously envisaged ‘owner-led’ approach has been discarded, with the effect that mining veteran Alan Watling will now step down as the project’s driving force in favour of an as yet undisclosed project director with extensive EPCM experience.

The news didn’t sit well with some shareholders, particularly as the move to an EPCM model means that the completion of the project’s Definitive Feasibility Study has been pushed back to the tail-end of 2013.

Whatever the market feels about the loss of Alan Watling’s undoubted industry experience, analysts at Liberum Capital make the point that “the EPCM model uses a single Tier 1 group to oversee the project, signing off on development stages and managing all contractors. As such, this method of development management by a single Tier 1 group is viewed positively by credit rating agencies and hence places Sirius in a stronger financing position”.

IC VIEW:
Regardless of today’s announcement, Sirius is confident that construction will commence during the second half of this year, while first production is targeted for 2016. The company’s shares fell by 9.4 per cent on today’s announcement, but we still think they’re a speculative ‘buy’ at 26p.

Last IC view: Buy, 22.5p, 22 Nov 2012

York Potash signs KEYTRADE AG marketing agreement

The Directors of Sirius Minerals Plc (AIM: SXX, OTCQX: SRUXY) ("Sirius" or the "Company"), the globally diversified potash development group, are pleased to announce the signing of a marketing agreement with KEYTRADE AG ("KEYTRADE").

KEYTRADE, one of the world's leading fertilizer trading, distribution and marketing companies, will market up to 1.75 million tonnes per annum of Polyhalite produced at the York Potash Project (the "Project"), currently under development by Sirius. The Project's initial production is currently scheduled to begin from late 2016 with a first phase production target of 5 million tonnes per annum. KEYTRADE will be marketing in key regions of Central and South America (excluding Brazil), South East Asia, as well as specific countries in Europe and Africa.

Update on current cash position

The Directors of Sirius Minerals Plc (AIM: SXX, OTCQX: SRUXY) ("Sirius" or the "Company"), the globally diversified potash development group, would like to correct current misinformation about the Company's financing plans for the York Potash Project.

As at 31 January 2013, the Company had a cash balance of GBP24 million and no immediate plans for a placement of shares.

The development of the world-class York Potash Project will require multiple financings and these will be carried out when required, when opportunities present themselves and always with the best value to shareholders in mind.

The Company is making excellent progress towards its goals and continually reviews multiple options on how best to finance the rapid development of the York Potash Project.

25 February 2013


Sirius Minerals Plc

Senior Management Appointment - Gordon Cowe


The Directors of Sirius Minerals Plc (AIM: SXX, OTCQX: SRUXY) ("Sirius" or the "Company"), the globally diversified potash development group, are pleased to announce the appointment of Gordon Cowe as Development Director. Gordon will be responsible for leading the development of the York Potash Project (the "Project") from Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") to construction and into production. His new role with the Company commences on 25 March based at the York Potash offices in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

Gordon is one of the world's leading Engineering, Procurement, Construction & Management ("EPCM") and Engineering, Procurement and Construction ("EPC") contractor managers and brings unparalleled skills in these project development methodologies.

Gordon is a professional engineer with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Strathclyde University, and over 25 years of experience in managing business units and major projects in the resources industry. Gordon's range of experience spans working for operating companies, engineering and project management consultancies and project development companies in the hydrocarbon, minerals and metals sectors within Australia, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East.

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

"We are delighted to appoint Gordon Cowe as Development Director to lead this next rapid phase of the Project. Gordon has unparalleled expertise developing major projects like the York Potash Project and his EPCM and EPC experience puts the Company in a strong position as we work towards first production."

Gordon Cowe, Development Director of Sirius, commented:

"The opportunity to return to the UK and be part of a world class, internationally significant project with so many national benefits is an opportunity too good to miss. I have been following the development of the York Potash Project with interest for some time now and look forward to moving the Project into production as quickly and safely as possible."


About Gordon Cowe:

Gordon initially trained in project management in the hydrocarbon sector, an industry which leads in its approach to project discipline, risk management and exhibits a strong safety culture. As Project Manager, he was responsible for the delivery of offshore hydrocarbon projects for Shell in Brunei and the Gulf of Mexico and for Saudi Aramco in Saudi Arabia.

While working in Saudi Arabia, Gordon had corporate stewardship and review responsibility for the Ma'aden Phosphate development including a phosphate mine and beneficiation plant, four fertiliser plants, supporting infrastructure and export port facilities. Gordon was also Project Director for Fortescue Metals Group's T45 iron ore mine, rail and port EPCM project and the subsequent planning for the expansion project to 155 million tonnes per annum.

Most recently Gordon was at WorleyParsons, with the position of Global Managing Director of the Infrastructure and Environment division and had particular responsibility for the development and implementation of the mine to port developments including African Minerals in Sierra Leone, Oakajee port and rail and Roy Hill mine to port in Western Australia and the CCX Coal development in Colombia. He was also a member of WorleyParson's CEOC (Chief Executive Officer's Committee), an advisory group to the CEO.

The Times – Sirius Minerals – Big shot: Gordon Cowe
26th Feb
http://www.directorstalk.com/the-times-sirius-minerals-big-shot-gordon-cowe/

3
Mar 2013
Sirius Minerals – March 2013 Investor Presentation
By News Teamin News
- See more at: http://www.directorstalk.com/sirius-minerals-march-2013-investor-presentation/#sthash.BZ6C4SyI.dpuf

Pipeline Planning update

The Directors of Sirius Minerals Plc (AIM: SXX, OTCQX: SRUXY) ("Sirius" or the "Company"), the globally diversified potash development group, are pleased to provide an update on the York Potash Project pipeline (the "pipeline") planning approval process.

As part of the formal pre-application process for the development consent order for the Pipeline, drafts of relevant reports and supporting statements have been provided to the Planning Inspectorate ("PINS").

This is a standard process ahead of a full submission to ensure that the procedural requirements are understood by the applicants. PINS will review the documentation and provide feedback to the Company in due course. The full pipeline application is expected to be submitted within the next two months.

SM11 Preliminary Coring Results

§ Intersection successfully cored through the shelf seam of polyhalite at mine site

§ Wireline logging of borehole provides preliminary seam data

§ 26.6 metres (true thickness) of polyhalite has been intersected in two seams which average 87.8% polyhalite and which are separated by 5.7 metres of anhydrite

§ Preliminary results appear to support the geological model created by geological consultants SRK

§ Deflection borehole will provide a second intersection

Institutional Investor and Analyst Site Visit

The Directors of Sirius Minerals Plc (AIM: SXX, OTCQX: SRUXY) ("Sirius" or the "Company"), the globally diversified potash development group, are pleased to announce that today Sirius is hosting approximately 35 institutional investors, research analysts, and brokers on a site visit to the York Potash Project. A supporting presentation will shortly be made available on our web site at www.siriusminerals.com. No material new information will be disclosed on the site visit.

This sounds very positive. Methinks another push upwards is on the cards

In auction -9%.

reaction after site visit?

MOD machinations!

14
Mar 2013
8:42 pm
Financial Times-Sirius Minerals speculation of a cash call from the potash mine owner
http://www.directorstalk.com/financial-times-sirius-minerals-speculation-of-a-cash-call-from-the-potash-mine-owner/

Article referring to the Defence chiefs 
try to block plan for £1bn mine

York Potash Project approvals update

The Directors of Sirius Minerals Plc (AIM: SXX, OTCQX: SRUXY) ("Sirius" or the "Company") are pleased to provide clarification on the York Potash Project planning approval process.

The North York Moors National Park Authority ("NYMNPA") and its specialist consultants have requested extra information in order to determine the planning application. This information needs to be provided by 3 April 2013 in order for the NYMNPA to meet the proposed decision date for the application, which has previously been stated by the NYMNPA as 21 May 2013. The Company is confident of being able to provide this information within the requested time.

The Company has also been made aware of a 'holding objection' by the Ministry of Defence ("MoD") in relation to RAF Fylingdales, which is adjacent to the area of interest of the York Potash Project. The Company is in ongoing dialogue with the MoD and is confident that it can provide the necessary technical information required to demonstrate that there will be no impact on this important facility.

As part of the NYMNPA's statutory consultation period for the determination of the application it has received responses from a range of statutory consultees. A response to this consultation from the Environment Agency was forwarded to the Company on 13 March 2013. This response requests additional information on aspects of the submitted Environmental Statement, particularly on hydrological issues. The Company is in the process of reviewing this and is confident it can provide the information requested.

SM11A Preliminary Coring Results


§ Intersection from the deflection SM11A successfully cored through the shelf seam of polyhalite at mine site

§ 41.6 metres of 86% polyhalite (including 27.3 metres at 93%) intersected within a total length of 57.2 metres

§ Independent geologists SRK have confirmed they expect the results of SM11 and SM11A will support the upgrading of a significant portion of the Inferred Resource to the Indicated category


The Directors of Sirius Minerals Plc (AIM: SXX, OTCQX: SRUXY) ("Sirius" or the "Company") are pleased to announce the completion of coring of the deflection SM11A (the mine site) at the York Potash Project.

Drilling of SM11A commenced on 8 March 2013 following the completion of the parent hole SM11. Coring of the Fordon Evaporites commenced on 14 March 2013 from 1450.1m below rotary table (bRT) down to 1592.5m bRT. Polyhalite was intersected between 1507.69m and 1564.84m bRT. 41.6 metres of 86% polyhalite was intersected in three seams separated by two anhydrite bands with a combined intersected thickness of 15.6m. There was 100% core recovery.

The preliminary results show a strong correlation between SM11 and SM11A confirming the continuity of the orebody over mining distances which SRK expects will enable the upgrading of a significant portion of the current Inferred Resource to the Indicated Resource category. This will occur following the receipt of chemical analysis of the SM11 core which is expected at the beginning of May and the Resource upgrade to follow later that month.

Chris Fraser, Managing Director and CEO of Sirius said:

"The completion of this deflection and the strong correlation is a further endorsement of the quality and geological consistency of the York Potash polyhalite orebody. We look forward to the important upgrade to Indicated Resource in the near future."

.

dont make a sirius mistake........

http://www.investorschronicle.co.uk/2013/03/26/tips-and-ideas/share-tips/tips-of-the-week/don-t-make-a-sirius-mistake-6Xz9jhYyCOoxq0CZ6bKrFO/article.html