Potash production in the UK — in pictures

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  Potash is prepared prior to loading onto a container ship at the potash facility at Tees Docks. Potash products are used for fertilizer production as well as for glass making and applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Ian Forsyth / Getty Images

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  Workers walk into the main production area at the surface works of Cleveland Potash mine. Ian Forsyth / Getty Images

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  Two workers stand at the top of thousands of tons of salt product at the potash facility at Tees Docks. At around 1,400 metres deep it is the second deepest mine of this type in Europe and extends out to 7 kilometres under the North Sea. Ian Forsyth / Getty Images

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  A conveyor moves potash product around the site during the production process at the surface works of Cleveland Potash mine. Ian Forsyth / Getty Images

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  Miners wait for the cage that will transport them back to the surface at the end of their shift at the Cleveland potash mine. Ian Forsyth / Getty Images

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  Around 60,000 tonnes of potash can be stored at the main storage silo at Tees Docks prior to shipping to the end user. Ian Forsyth / Getty Images

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  A containers ship is loaded with potash product at at Tees Docks. Ian Forsyth / Getty Images

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  The driver of a potash freight train makes final checks before leaving the sidings at the surface works of Cleveland Potash mine. Ian Forsyth / Getty Images

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  Potash product ready for distribution from the surface works of Cleveland Potash mine. Ian Forsyth / Getty Images

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  Remotely controlled rock-cutting machines with tungsten carbide-tipped cutting teeth at the Boulby potash mine. Ian Forsyth / Getty Images

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  Tokens used to monitor the number of miners entering the mine hang on hooks at the Boulby potash mine. Ian Forsyth / Getty Images

Cleveland Potash operates the United Kingdom’s only potash mine, from which over a million tonnes of potash for fertilizers and more than half a million tonnes of salt are produced each year.