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Sirius Minerals' army of small-time shareholders have had their say on the mining firm's cash crisis.

Many investors - including 10,000 who live within a few miles of the project - have sunk large amounts into the project, with one currently "£81,000 adrift" as "retirement dreams" go up in smoke.

The mining firm's share price plummeted on Tuesday following its bombshell decision to pull a £400m fundraiser attempt and "scale back" on construction.

The project has been strongly backed by 85,000 small individual investors, including around 12,000 in Teesside and North Yorkshire.

They have seen around 90% wiped from the value of their investment from when shares peaked at 45p in 2016. Today they stand at just 4p.

One investor posted online: “I have been more than positive that this project was a winner, however yesterday left even myself feeling very let down.

“I am personally £81,000 adrift but it was my decision to back this project so poor decision by myself.

“I feel deeply for those who have done more than myself.”

(Image: Gazette)

Another wrote: "I'm a small holder compared to many, but it's still more than I can afford to lose.

"I have around 50k shares at just over 18p average.

"This was my dream to help me retire before I get too old to enjoy it. Had a few financial blows over the years and could really do with some good news."

While another added: "I am genuinely sorry for people who appear to have not known the huge risks associated with this highly ambitious project .

"Personally, I hold a paper loss but accepted the gamble of an enormous risk. I hope this project does complete and think it still can."

"Second start up I have invested in and second time wiped out," another wrote, vowing: "Never again."

(Image: Ian Cooper / Teesside Live)

Others have slammed the Government, which has refused to back the mine.

"Come on Boris," one pleaded, "make a name for yourself, give us some backing".

While another poster added: "I think the Govt just realized that this is not within the M25 or Home Counties and normal reaction is NO.

"Let's hope he comes and realizes what a wasted opportunity it would be not to back it."

"There would be no tab to pick up," one person added, "this would be win, win for the public.

"This is a unique situation with huge benefits for all if it proceeds.

"The "Govts waste billions on failing projects which this is not.

"It just needs the guarantee from HMG and investors will flock to support it."

But others are confident the "nearly built" mine will go ahead - whoever owns it.

"Worth keeping faith in my opinion," one poster said. "Believe it or not good investing is about being objective, not cynical.

"Weigh up the pluses and minuses. Sirius has a lot going for it.

Another responded with: "The mine is still there.

"It's a national asset, not just for production but for employment too . Too big and too far on to not go anywhere.

"Eventually things will calm down and people will start to see the value of the full project and what it is sat upon."