Gold firm’s ‘positive impact’

The company, which has encountered opposition from local environmentalists strongly opposed to the proposed mining, highlighted the project’s positive impact so far as well as its plans for “decades to come”.

Dalradian has provided direct employment to approximately 200 people and purchased goods and services from more than 400 Northern Ireland-based suppliers, including over 50 small businesses from the villages closest to the project including Greencastle.

The company says it has also provided administrative and other support to small businesses, as needed, to enable their participation.

The company’s community fund, the Tyrone Fund, has provided over £500,000 to more than 320 local groups ranging from sports clubs to churches and environmental projects.

Dalradian’s planning application for the proposed mine, which incorporated an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment), is currently progressing through the planning process.

Patrick FN Anderson, Dalradian’s President and CEO, said since 2010 they have provided employment and started developing skills to help local workers.

He said: “We also listened to feedback from the planning process and made a number of design changes, including removing the proposed use of cyanide and committing to be Europe’s first carbon-neutral mine.

“Tyrone has already benefitted from the project through local employment, supply contracts and support for community programmes, but this is just the beginning.”