PLANS to study the amount and quality of potash that is below the North York Moors - as part of a mine scheme that could create up to 5,000 jobs - have been approved.

York Potash, owned by international mining conglomerate Sirius Minerals, announced the decision to the London Stock Exchange following a North York Moors National Park Authority meeting.

The firm was granted permission for three drill sites in commercial coniferous forests in Langdale, which the firm says will be largely out of view and will have a minimal impact on local communities.

York Potash is currently drilling more than a kilometre below the ground to test the mineral resources, but the process has been delayed due to technical issues.

Last month, the firm revealed that detailed chemical analysis of potash found in a borehole near Robin Hood's Bay showed there was more of the substance and of better quality than previously hoped.

Chris Fraser, Sirius Minerals managing director, said: "These additional sites will help us further define the extent of the world class resource that exists in the area.

“We continue to progress the drilling phase as quickly as possible and while any delays are naturally frustrating they are a normal part of this style of drilling. Importantly, they do not impact the potential or integrity of the deposit or the potential ease of mining."