[OFFICIAL]
3.9 The Thriving Communities Programme, detailed in Section 5, provides examples of how Anglo American works collaboratively to support social and economic development more broadly.
One of the largest employers in the area
3.10 There are currently 1,000 people working on the Woodsmith Project (reducing from the peak of c.2,200 before the temporary slowdown i which was announced in April 2024).
3.11 This project remains one of the largest employers in the area, with 76% of the current Woodsmith workforce from the local area (a one-hour commute). This is significantly higher than 35% estimated prior to construction (this estimate was driven by the requirement for specific expertise).
Since construction started in 2017, the Woodsmith Project has generated an additional £1.94 billion to the regional economy
3.12 In 2024, total investment ramped up for the fourth year in a row to £692 million – rising by £1 million compared to 2023 and doubling since 2020. In 2025, works slowed down but investment still hit £266 million, with £164 million of GVA generated. 3.13 Since construction started in 2017, the Woodsmith Project has generated total GVA of £2.45 billion, including an additional £1.94 billion to the economy of Yorkshire and the North-East (based on direct and first-round indirect GVA).
3.14 In 2025, Anglo American and its contractors purchased £69 million worth of goods and services locally ii , with the figure totalling £452 million since 2022.
Consistently above projected levels of local employment
3.15 Throughout the construction period local employment has been consistently significantly above this level, from 61% to its current level of 76%, and is expected to remain within this range throughout construction. This has been helped by ensuring that opportunities have been targeted at local people through the local partnership approach outlined above.
3.16 Anglo American has recruited 46 apprentices to date (committing to at least 50 in total). These have come through two programmes:
An Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship programme launched in 2018, covering mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineering disciplines. The Level-3 apprenticeship provided a suite of qualifications, including progression onto an HNC and has provided opportunities for 28 young people from the local area. An Anglo American Cyber Security Apprentice Centre of Excellence, based in Scarborough was established in 2022. Providing a two-year, Level 4 apprenticeship, this has trained a total of 18 apprentices, with the provision gaining an Outstanding rating from Ofsted.
Quod | Woodsmith Project | Economic Impact Report | March 2026
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