A North Yorkshire mine has been transformed into the world's deepest vertical farm, growing a variety of crops including lettuce and pak choi. The pioneering research project, led by the University of Sheffield and Farm Urban, aims to test the commercial viability of underground farming and reduce the high energy costs associated with vertical farming. Located 0.7 miles underground, the working mine provides consistent temperatures and existing infrastructure, such as lighting and ventilation, making it an ideal location for the project. The collaboration also hopes to repurpose disused mines across the UK to produce affordable food, creating skilled jobs and improving access to fresh produce in economically deprived areas.
Project co-lead Jacob Nickles said that underground farming was not new, but until now, there was very little real-world evidence to show how it could work. The year-long study will gather information to understand similar opportunities at other sites and address challenges such as ambient salt or heat from mining activities.
The Science and Technology Facilities Council's Boulby Underground Laboratory, where the vertical farm is located, is a unique site for research, hosting low-background physics and other studies. Director Prof Sean Paling said that the vertical farm study was a natural extension of their science portfolio and could open real possibilities for disused mines across the UK.