Anglo American has engaged US-based Fluor Corporation to do more feasibility study work on the multi-billion-dollar Woodsmith polyhalite fertiliser project in England, one of Europe’s most important new mineral developments.
Anglo, which acquired Woodsmith from Sirius Minerals in 2020, is building a 1.6km-deep underground mine and a 37km tunnel and conveyor to take mined material to nearby industrial centre, Teesside, for processing and shipping.
Sirius’ 2016 definitive feasibility study put a US$3.56 billion capital cost estimate on a 10 million tonnes per annum polyhalite mining and processing operation. The latest 13Mtpa blueprint has a reported circa-$9 billion cost attached. Anglo had reportedly spent about $1.5 billion at Woodsmith up to the end of last year.
Few details on the scope and focus of Fluor’s work were reported by the two public companies.
“The Woodsmith project has the potential to create a long‑term, stable and sustainable naturally occurring source of critical fertilisers for global markets,” said Fluor mining and metals president, Harish Jammula.
“This award reflects our team’s deep technical expertise and our commitment to executing complex projects safely, responsibly and with excellence. We look forward to partnering closely with Anglo American as it advances towards completion of the Woodsmith project.”
Fluor told its shareholders the undisclosed Woodsmith contract value would be recognised in the current quarter.
Anglo said in September 2025 when it announced its proposed $53 billion merger with Canada’s Teck Resources a combined Anglo Teck would continue to progress development of Woodsmith “with its ongoing potential to be a generational asset in crop nutrients”.
“Full development remains subject to meeting stringent investment criteria for risk-adjusted value, including syndication to one or more investment/strategic partners,” Anglo said.
