The February 2025 British Tunnelling Society evening lecture is taking place on Thursday 13th Feb and is being delivering in partnership with MinSouth.
The Woodsmith Project
Speakers:
- Jeff Hawman – Woodsmith Mine Manager, Anglo American
- Ashley Poulter – Deputy Project Director, STRABAG UK
- Tom Wootton – Construction Manager, STRABAG UK
- Callum Fryer – Construction Manager, STRABAG UK
The Woodsmith Project in North Yorkshire is a landmark Anglo-American mining development featuring a 37-kilometre tunnel to transport Polyhalite from Whitby to Teesside via conveyor.
In 2023, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) set a world record with a 25.8-kilometre single drive; now surpassing 29 kilometres.
This presentation will provide an overview of the TBM cutter head maintenance using timber heading techniques, showcasing STRABAG’s engineering innovations, ongoing progress on 1,600-metre shafts at the mine site and how challenges have been addressed since the 2021 BTS presentation.
It will also detail the innovative construction of two 380-metre shafts, through faulted geology and groundwater pressures, using the UK’s first blind boring method at Lockwood Beck and Lady Cross.
Note 1: This is an in-person lecture but will also be streamed live on Zoom.
Note 2: Tea & coffee will be served from 17:30 hrs onwards
Note 3: Post-lecturedrinks and food will be served at the ICE bar.
In case of any query please contact; The Secretary, BTS Tel: 020 7665 2238 or e-mail: bts@ice.org.uk or visit: http://www.britishtunnelling.com
