Where does gritters’ salt come from? The secret behind what’s spread on our frozen roads

The UK’s grit has a surprising origin - (PA)

Snow and ice have brought disruption across the country as Britons get their first taste of winter – with more forecast for the weekend,

Any driver will be familiar with the grit that sees off pesky ice at this time of year. This salty substance prevents slippery roads by melting frost and making it easier for cars to move safely.

It is essential for UK drivers that 250 million tonnes are stored in warehouses across the country. Most likely don’t pay much thought to the vital resource, taking it for granted as it is sprinkled out for yet another frosty winter in the UK.

But its origins may come as a surprise.

Snowy conditions are gripping the UK (PA)

Road grit is actually the “remains of an ancient ocean” writes journalist Ed Conway, author of Material World, one which is now buried deep beneath our feet.

Here’s the full story:

Where does gritters’ salt come from?

Salt that is used on roads and pavements is quite different from what we put on food. For the most part, that will be extracted through brining or saltwater evaporation.

Meanwhile, gritters’ salt is mined – as is the case with most salts that are used industrially. Perhaps more surprisingly, the UK’s grit mostly comes from a single mine in Cheshire.

Here, as deep as 40 feet below the ground in Winsford mine, is a massive slab of rock salt that has been serving the country’s needs since 1844.

This is what remains of an ancient ocean formed around 200 million years ago, says Mr Conway.

The mine was opened in 1844, making it the UK's longest-running mine.
The tunnels are enormous - not just big enough to drive through but big enough to drive a double-decker bus through. You can taste the salt particles in the air.
The walls are pink & slightly translucent.
5/14 pic.twitter.com/CFkTtcjgPX

— Ed Conway (@EdConwaySky) November 19, 2024

The salt from this slab is mined using large rigs, which take away millions of tonnes every single day.

What’s more, while this might be the country’s largest salt mining operation, it does not stand alone. Another ancient salt source can be found on the other side of the country, north of York.

Here, in Boulby mine (near the town of Saltburn), an underground mine which extends past the coast can be found. This means salt is being extracted from tunnels located beneath the seabed, with the entire North Sea overhead.

This means that the salt we use on our roads is technically non-renewable – the mines will run out someday. However, this is likely a long way off, and other ways of extracting salt will remain available.