WOODSMITH PROJECT LIAISON GROUP FORUM PROJECT UPDATE: OCTOBER 2020

1. Construction update

At the focus remains on preparing the three shafts – service shaft, production shaft and minerals transport system (MTS) shaft – for the main shaft sinking.

The Shaft Boring Roadheader (SBR) has been successfully installed in the service shaft at the depth of 120m ready to start shaft sinking by the end of the year. It will be boring down to a depth of 1,600m.

The production foreshaft is complete and the excavation of the inner shaft has almost reached 120m. The SBR for this shaft is currently being assembled on site.

For the MTS shaft, work is ongoing to fit-out and commission the Galloway, hoist and winch systems before the main shaft sinking starts by the end of the year. A drill and blast method will be used to sink this shaft and neighbours will soon be provided with information about the blasting notification procedure.

With respect to the tunnel, the tunnel boring machine (TBM) - named Stella Rose by local school children - has made great progress and has now reached 9.5km on its way to Lockwood Beck. As the advance rate of the TBM has been greater than we anticipated, we are not planning to launch a second TBM from Lockwood and will continue with Stella Rose.

This means that whilst we still need a shaft for ventilation at Lockwood Beck, it is now required to be 3.2m in diameter, which is smaller than initially proposed. The method that will be used to sink the shaft is called ‘blind boring’ and replaces the ‘drill and blast’ method previously proposed. We have remobilised our workforce at Lockwood Beck and have started to prepare the site for shaft sinking.

2. Planning

Planning The National Park Authority continues to maintain close liaison with Anglo American and other partners as necessary with respect to site operational matters and any emerging planning issues. Site monitoring visits continue to be undertaken within the constraints of Covid-19 guidance. This monitoring is expected to include an on-site review of site lighting in the near future as the evenings draw in.

Section 106 In line with planned dates a number of projects are progressing. Due to Covid-19 restrictions there will be a delay in the delivery of some schemes. Joint work is planned to map all projects including Core Policy D, Landscape and Ecology and Tourism Contribution.

The following list shows updates for a selection of highlighted projects:

• International Dark Sky Reserve final application submitted Friday 25 September. A culmination of three years work with significant help from Section 106 • First two Dark Skies Lighting Improvement Scheme demonstration projects completed (Cropton Forest Holidays and Rawcliffe House Farm) • Sustrans successfully tendered and appointed as consultants for to Staithes cycle link feasibility study • Quotes reviewed and successful consultant to be notified for Bransdale Conservation Management Plan - Phase 1 Scoping

• All funding now in place (Ryedale District Council, Hambleton District Council and Scarborough Council and NYMNPA) regarding tourism fund, to look at signage project for Cycleway • Additional project added to support North Moors Railway Traditional Boundary Restoration (historic Adder Wall and traditional North East post and rail fencing).

3. Complaints

There have been five complaints related to the mine site since July. Three of these were related to the speed of cars which were travelling to the mine site. As detailed in our last report, we have put a number of measures in place in response to Covid-19. This includes staff driving themselves to site rather than using the ‘Park and Ride’ bus system. This has resulted in a higher volume of cars travelling to the site through the area at shift changeover time. We have responded to concerns about the speed of some cars going to site by rolling out a responsible driving campaign to the whole workforce. This includes toolbox talks, posters and leaflets, and you may have seen us doing offsite speed checks early in the morning and again early in the evening. We are taking action with individuals where necessary and will keep monitoring the situation closely.

There has been one complaint about light from a local resident. We need lighting on site to ensure we have a safe working environment. At the same time, we recognise our responsibility to control light pollution from the site. We regularly undertake lighting surveys, taking into consideration the orientation, height and need for lighting at each location. A review of lighting is being planned for later this month with the National Park.

There has been one complaint about noise at night from a resident in Ugglebarnby which we are currently investigating.

4. Community

As we have previously reported, Anglo American agreed to contribute £4 million to the Sirius Minerals Foundation during the construction period as part of the takeover deal. The first £1 million was paid on completion of the takeover and a further £3 million will be paid over the next three years. Over 100 applications have been received by the Foundation for its latest funding round, which is aimed at helping local charities and voluntary groups to recover from the Covid-19 crisis.

In July, the Skills4Work team re-started their work in the villages around the site. We have increased their time from one to two days a week. The scheme provides entry-to-employment training for young people who have missed out on normal opportunities after leaving school. It involves a small crew of trainees and a supervisor, that undertake wide range of environment and maintenance works.

Over the last two months they have undertaken gardening and maintenance works at Sneaton churchyard and at other villages in the area. In addition, the Skills4Work team have kept the perimeter of the site tidy. In the coming weeks they are carrying on in the Sneaton and have a number of other jobs in Stanghow lined up.

Towards the end of the year, we will be starting the recruitment process for the next cohort of our multi- skilled advanced engineering apprenticeship programme. We will be seeking apprentices to start in September next year. Information about how to apply will be available shortly. They will join our first 14 engineering apprentices, who are all from the local area, started with us in September 2019 and are all progressing well.

Finally, we have been pleased to be able to attend parish council meetings once again, since the lockdown started in March. This has included Sneaton and Parish Councils.

2 of 2