Anglo American’s Woodsmith Project in North Yorkshire contributed £127 million to the regional economy in 2025 and has generated nearly £2 billion for the region since construction began in 2017, as the polyhalite mining development cements its position as one of the most significant long-term industrial investments in the north of England.
The project currently employs 1,000 people, with 76% of its workforce drawn from the surrounding region. Employment is expected to peak at more than 2,500 during further construction phases, making Woodsmith one of the largest sources of skilled employment in the area.
Polyhalite, the natural mineral fertiliser at the heart of the project, will be mined from deposits beneath the North York Moors and transported via a long tunnel to the Teesside coast for processing and export — a multi-billion-pound investment Anglo American says will drive exports and strengthen long-term regional prosperity.
Beyond its economic footprint, the company has embedded a significant social investment programme in communities across Teesside and North Yorkshire. The Thriving Communities Programme focuses on livelihoods, education, health and community facilities, while the Woodsmith Foundation supports broader community development. The centrepiece of the education strand is the Achieve programme, delivered jointly with the Woodsmith Foundation, which works intensively with six pilot schools and extends careers guidance to all 17 state-funded secondary schools in Redcar and Cleveland and along the North Yorkshire Coast. Last year the programme generated over 9,000 student engagements. An independent study found that students reported higher confidence, improved motivation and a more positive outlook, alongside better behaviour and increased school attendance.
