Welcome to Glebe Mines Limited

Introduction

Glebe Mines, based at Cavendish Mill near Stoney Middleton is the only producer of indigenous fluorspar in the UK, supplying the UK's leading hydrofluoric acid manufacturer with bulk dried acid grade fluorspar. In 1999 Glebe Mines built a successful thriving business supplying top quality fluorspar to the UK fluorine compound producers. The company takes responsibility for the Health and Safety, Planning, Environmental control and final restoration of its sites. This guarantees the responsible operation of these sites within the planning conditions.


Glebe Mines operate several surface workings and two underground mines and accept ore supplied by external suppliers (Tributers). The Cavendish Mill process uses froth flotation to produce Acid Grade fluorspar, barytes and lead. Ore reserves are being depleted at a rate of c. 350-400kte/a. Consequently, to sustain the business these reserves need to be replaced through the acquisition of new consented reserves, by means of a rolling planning program.

Glebe Mines directly and indirectly account for the employment of around 150 people at its plant and extractive operations and through the use of contractors.  The processing plant operates 24 hours per day with ore supply from underground workings and open pits being supplied from Monday to Friday. As Glebe operates in a rural location we have a significant beneficial impact on the local economy providing quality, full time, non-seasonal jobs.

National Need

The mining of fluorspar in the Peak District began in the 20th Century and was used in the steel and chemical industries. Since the Planning Legislation in 1940, fluorspar has been recognised by both the local and central government as a rare and important mineral.  The National Park usually granted approval for fluorspar workings.

However, with increasing concern for the environment and complex directives from the European Union, there has been a growing movement to end all mineral extraction in the National Parks.

Fluorspar is the essential component of a wide variety of everyday products important to society. Asthma inhalers, unleaded petrol, computers, refrigeration and air conditioning systems, mobile phones and toothpaste are dependent upon hydrofluoric acid, produced from fluorspar.

The mining of fluorspar has no long term impact to the environment as all sites can be restored to ground level or landscaped to reflect the natural beauty of the Peak Park. Glebe Mines work in conjunction with the National Park Authority on all activities that contribute to the overall welfare of the Peak District.

Currently we are seeking an acknowledgement from central government that fluorspar is a special case and there is a national need for it.  We do not ask that our activities should take precedence over the principle aims of the National Park to preserve and enhance the area, but that with careful planning and design fluorspar extraction be allowed to continue.

The average life cycle of an extraction site is five years.   After this period restoration and reintegration into the National Park landscape.   Vein mineral sites therefore represent a temporary land use.