The mine produces an average of 1,500,000 tonnes (1,700,000 short tons) of rock salt a year, which is used to grit public roads in the United Kingdom during the winter months.

Two other mines also produce rock salt within the United Kingdom, but Winsford has the biggest output of all three and has the largest market share.

[4][5][6] The salt was laid down during the Triassic period over 220 million years ago when the area was under a tropical sea, and later a briny lagoon.

[14] During the 19th century, export of the salt was by barge or boat on the River Weaver, but when the mine reopened in 1928, a railway connection was laid.

[15] In the heavy snowfall of January 2010, lorries were shown on national TV at the mine surface plant loading salt supplies for many local authorities in England who were running out of stock for their gritters.