A proposed gold-mining facility near Greencastle, Co Tyrone, that plans to use the toxic chemical cyanide, is being opposed by local farmers and residents, as well as NI agriculture minister Michelle O’Neill.

Canadian mining company Dalradian Gold Ltd acquired Curraghinalt mine in the Sperrin mountains in late 2009. Following exploratory work, the company is in a pre-consultation stage before a planning application is submitted for the mine.

Last Thursday, Minister O’Neill met with around 40 local farmers and residents on a dairy farm outside Greencastle. She told farmers that she also opposed the plans and that the controversial nature of the proposal meant it would have to be agreed by the Stormont executive.

Farmers are concerned about the impacts the cyanide process could have on surrounding land. There were calls for more details to be released on the plans and for an independent expert to assess the likely impact.

A Dalradian spokesperson told The Dealer that it will summer 2016 before plans are finalised. The spokesperson added that the company would adhere to regulations of the International Cyanide Management Code and create 200 jobs over 20 years at the proposed facility.