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.