Social & Economic Benefits
We are committed to being a positive part of the local community and have already delivered significant benefits in the local area. This includes creating jobs and working with local businesses in our supply chain, social investment in our Thriving Communities Programme and the Woodsmith Foundation, and our payments to the planning authorities as part of our existing permissions.
We will continue with this activity throughout construction and during operations.
More details can be found in our annual Social Impact Report.
Highlights to date are set out below.
Direct Economic Benefits
There are 1,100 people currently working on the Woodsmith Project with 75% of the workforce from the local area
The project has generated an additional £1.8 billion to the regional economy of Yorkshire and the North East since construction started
Supply chain expenditure in the region has reached over £400m since 2022
At full production, when the project is operational, it will:
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Create over 1,000 long term jobs
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Add £1.5 billion to UK GDP every year
Thriving Communities Programme
Since it started in 2021, the programme has:
Engaged over 30,000 students at careers events and activities to promote the science, technology, engineering and maths
Supported over 1,500 people to develop their skills
Launched an ambitious programme called Achieve to support disadvantaged students to reach their potential
Created 150 new business start-ups
Supported the emotional wellbeing of over 200 young people through our Turning Tides programme
Delivered over 175 projects to support the community environment and facilities
Woodsmith Foundation
The Woodsmith Foundation was established as an independent charity to create a positive legacy from the Woodsmith Project for the local area. Anglo American has contributed £5 million to the Foundation since 2020.
To date, the Foundation has funded over 670 projects and supported a wide range of community organisations.
Planning commitments
As part of our planning permissions, we have already provided funding of £28m to the North York Moors National Park Authority, North Yorkshire Council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for projects that protect and enhance the environment, promote tourism, improve local transport infrastructure, and support education and skills development.