Geograph - photograph every grid square

From almost the same location as Richard's (NZ5035 : The former site of Steetley Magnesite) but over two years on. Only the chimney and this tank are left standing. Looks like after demolition any scrap was sold off and the site abandoned with plenty of clearance work still to do. I am informed the site is eventually scheduled for housing.

The factory started operation in 1936 to extract magnesia from saltwater. At the time natural magnesia was largely imported from Austria but the deteriorating situation in Europe meant that a new source had to be found. High purity dolomite deposits at Coxhoe, seawater undiluted by river outflows and coal from the Durham coal fields for the kilns meant that Hartlepool was an ideal site.

The process involved the reaction of the seawater with the dolomite. Magnesia is used in the manufacture of refractory bricks and tiles, plastics, leather, oil, paper pulp and fertilisers as well as also being used in the steel, cement and non-ferrous industries.