The tunnel at British mining company Anglo American’s Woodsmith Project near Whitby has passed 30km in length.
The tunnel boring machine (TBM), named Stella Rose, has extended what is already recognised as the longest continuous drive by a single TBM.
According to Anglo American, it has overtaken the previous record of 25.8km and continuing to advance each day.
The tunnel is being built by contractor Strabag for Anglo American and will house a conveyor forming the core of the project’s mineral transport system (MTS).
Once operational, the system is intended to move polyhalite ore from beneath the North York Moors National Park to a processing plant on Teesside.
The Woodsmith development is designed to reach what is described as the largest known polyhalite resource globally.
Polyhalite is a naturally occurring fertiliser mineral containing potassium, sulphur, magnesium and calcium, and is anticipated to be used in sustainable agricultural applications.
Strabag is responsible for delivering the conveyor tunnel, which is reported to be the longest of its type.
The 30km tunnelling milestone was overseen by Ronnie Birkett, senior occupational health advisor at Strabag UK.
Woodsmith Project director Andrew Johnson said: “We are incredibly proud of this milestone. The Woodsmith Project is one of the most innovative mining developments in the world today and construction is progressing well.
“We currently employ 1,100 people in the area of which 75% are local – something we are incredibly proud of. We are also proud to have a small international workforce with the specialist expertise we need for this unique world-class engineering project that will provide employment for hundreds of local people for many many years to come.”
