Dalradian assures no cyanide will be used in its gold mining project in Co Tyrone, despite local concerns and ongoing inquiries about the environmental impact.
Co Tyrone: So, there’s been a lot of buzz about the gold mine in the Sperrin Mountains. Dalradian, the mining company, is looking to dig for gold near Greencastle. They’ve been at it since 2009 and want to set up an underground mine.
But not everyone is on board. Some folks are worried about how this will affect the beautiful area and the environment. Still, others think it could bring jobs and money to the community.
Dalradian claims this project could create around 1,000 jobs and pump £5 billion into Northern Ireland’s economy. Right now, the Planning Appeals Commission is looking into their application. They kicked off the inquiry at the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh.
Back in the day, Dalradian had plans to use cyanide in the mining process. But they ditched that idea in 2019. During the inquiry, some people raised concerns about cyanide possibly making a comeback. They wanted to know how it was taken out of the plans.
A Dalradian rep reassured everyone that cyanide is off the table for this mine. They said, “There is absolutely no intention of using cyanide.”
The inquiry is being led by senior commissioner Jacqueline McParland and her team. They’re reviewing all the feedback on the eight applications for the mine. Their report will help Stormont ministers make the final call on whether to greenlight the project.
The inquiry will run until the end of March. They’ll be discussing everything from air quality to noise and water issues.
Meanwhile, activists from the Save Our Sperrins group are making their voices heard. They held a lively protest outside the venue, complete with dancing and singing. Some even carried small black coffins labeled “RIP clean air” and “RIP clean water.” It was quite the scene!
