A NORTH-EAST potash firm has received praise from the Government.

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill visited the Cleveland Potash mine at Boulby, east Cleveland, as it continues its preparations to deliver gritting salt for the region’s roads.

The mine, operated by Israel Chemicals Limited, is one of the UK’s largest gritting salt suppliers.

Mr Goodwill, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, said: “Suppliers like Boulby are crucial for maintaining our salt stocks at a healthy level and keeping Britain moving in extreme weather.”

David Zvida, the mine’s managing director, added: “We have already fulfilled many of our contractual obligations to supply various authorities with the salt they need to keep their roads open.”

Earlier this year, The Northern Echo revealed Mr Zvida had replaced former managing director Phil Baines, with the company revealing he was moving to Ethiopia to oversee a $1bn potash development.

The firm, which employs 1,100 workers, was also awarded £4.9m from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund to support a £38m project focused on mining and processing the fertiliser mineral polyhalite.

It said it will create 125 direct jobs and about 265 indirect posts, helping to secure the long-term future of the mine, which has a 1,100-strong workforce and is the biggest employer in east Cleveland.