The Outside Experimentation Area
Our 3000 m³ experimental space in the mine tunnels themselves, providing access to the unique Boulby geology for both pure and applied scientific research.
Situated in a layer of 250-million-year-old evaporite salt, the Outside Experimentation Area hosts the majority of our Earth and environmental science and space exploration science studies. By providing access to fascinating geology at 1.1 km depth, the Outside Experimentation Area enables research into underground compressed gas storage techniques, deep Earth seismology and local seismological monitoring, carbon capture and storage methods, robotics for extreme environments, off-planet habitation, and astrobiology.
Step back in time
Travelling 1.1 km underground takes you back through geological time.
The layer of ancient salt within which our lab sits was formed 250 million years ago when an ancient inland sea evaporated, leaving behind a great, expansive salt flat. In the numerous geological epochs since, sediment slowly buried and compressed this salt layer, eventually leading to the deep subsurface environment which we have today.
Boulby’s fascinating and unique geology provides researchers with a snapshot of the environment 250 million years ago – at a time of rapid climate change and cataclysmic collapse of life on planet Earth.
Access, services and infrastructure
The Outside Experimentation Area is adjacent to our interior laboratory space and its amenities, allowing for extended periods of technical work in the mine environment. The structural integrity of the space is frequently inspected by trained mine staff, as well as our in-house facility maintenance team and supervisors.
The Outside Experimentation Area’s infrastructure can support a variety of project installation and operational requirements, including access to 110 V and 230 V power, materials handling and heavy lifting, borehole drilling, and the development of health and safety procedure. For research that requires special access to the farther reaches of the mine beyond the limits of our underground research environment, we seek support from the mine operators, ICL.
FAQs
Is it cold underground?
Quite the opposite. Being closer to the centre of the Earth means the surrounding rock is quite warm, resulting in an average temperature of around 30 ℃ where our lab is.
The temperature can sometimes exceed this figure when in deeper parts of the mine or when near machinery.
Is the mine still active?
Yes – Boulby Mine is an active, commercial mine operated by ICL-UK. Therefore, we must work closely with ICL in our health and safety, operations, logistics, and outreach.
What sort of science do you do underground?
Our science programme can be broadly split into four key themes: low-background particle physics, Earth and environmental science, space and planetary science, and quantum technologies. You can find out more about each of these areas in the Science Programmes section of our website.
How can I work with Boulby Underground Laboratory?
Researchers interested in developing new experiments or proposals at Boulby Underground Laboratory are invited to contact us with an expression of interest. We welcome ideas across all scientific disciplines supported at the facility, and our team can advise on feasibility, infrastructure, and next steps for formal proposal submission. We also welcome proposals for collaboration on our public engagement programmes. Please use the contact form at the top of the website to get in touch.
For all press and media enquiries, please contact the STFC Press Office at pressoffice@stfc.ac.uk.
Interested in our capabilities?
To enquire about developing a new experiment or proposal at Boulby Underground Laboratory, or to enquire about the support and services available at our lab, please use the contact details below.
BOULBY@stfc.ac.uk
