Yorkshire Mine Project Sparks Local Outcry Over Job Cuts
The company behind Britain's largest private infrastructure project is facing a fierce backlash after making British miners redundant while simultaneously hiring workers from Belarus. The controversial move at the Woodsmith Mine project in North Yorkshire has alarmed investors and infuriated local politicians who say it betrays promises made to the community.
Specialist Skills or Cost-Cutting Measure?
Anglo American, the firm developing the mine to access the world's largest known deposit of polyhalite fertiliser, has insisted that the Belarusian workers were brought in for their specialist shaft sinking and tunnelling skills. A spokesperson stated that a core team of around 50 people from Eastern Europe, predominantly from Belarus, is working with contractor Redpath Deilmann. They are using innovative Shaft Boring Roadheaders (SBRs), a technology only used on two other projects globally, the most recent being in Belarus.
However, this explanation has done little to quell anger, given that the company announced last year that the project was costing a staggering £2 million per day to run, leading to job cuts on site. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Belarus is subject to British government sanctions due to its support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its own human rights record.
Local Leaders and Investors Voice Deep Concerns
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen did not mince words, calling the situation an insult to local people. He stated, We cannot have a situation where Teessiders are being laid off, undercut or sidelined on their own doorstep, especially for workers coming in from sanctioned states like Belarus. Mayor Houchen is now writing to the company to demand an immediate explanation.
The discontent extends to the financial backers of the project. One investor expressed grave concerns, saying, There's fear our money will be lost, frankly. It's a big concern to hear Belarusian workers are being used, when British workers were laid off. This comes as Anglo American seeks new investment and a syndication partner to secure the project's future, with first production now anticipated from 2030.
Company Defends Its Position and Local Commitment
In its defence, Anglo American highlighted its commitment to the local workforce. A spokesperson emphasised that of the 1,100 people currently working on the Woodsmith project, 75% are from the local area, a figure they describe as very high for a mining project of this scale. The international workers, they argue, represent a very small proportion of the total workforce and are essential for transferring unique technical expertise to ensure the shafts are sunk safely and efficiently.
Despite the controversy, the company continues to invest in the site, having spent $184 million on the project in the first half of 2025 alone. The future of the mine, however, remains contingent on securing further strategic partners and completing a detailed feasibility study before a final investment decision can be made.
