O’Neill listens to residents’ concerns on proposed gold processing plant in Co.Tyrone

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill today met with the community of Greencastle Co.Tyrone to listen to their concerns about a planned gold processing plant in the area. Minister O’Neill visited the area at the request of residents and local representatives to discuss how plans by Canadian mining company Dalradian Gold Ltd may impact on local agriculture and environment. Minister O’Neill said: “The community of Greencastle have been raising their concerns about plans by Dalradian Gold with my party colleague Declan McAleer MLA and I am pleased to have met with residents today to discuss those concerns further. “Dalradian Gold began underground exploration for gold in County Tyrone in 2014 and has now outlined their intention to locate a mine and processing plant within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just outside Greencastle. “The Company has confirmed that it intends to use cyanide at its processing plant to separate the gold from ore. As Minister of Agriculture I share the concerns of local residents regarding the potential negative impact that this process will have on farmers, rural dwellers and our environment."