Sperrin Mountains: Gold Mining Threat To Environment

The Sperrin Mountains in County Tyrone is a beautiful unspoiled area but for how long. The Irish campaign group ?People Before Profit? believe that a plan to mine gold in the area not only threatens that unique environment but the mining methods to be used would pose a threat to public health

Here?s there article:

?Dalradian Gold, the Canadian based mining firm, are planning to set up a gold mine and processing plant in the beautiful Sperrin Mountains, County Tyrone. Described as a potential ?gold rush?, Dalradian claim their survey shows there are up to four million ounces of gold in the Sperrins. Officials claim it could produce 120,000 ounces per year for decades and tens of millions in profits. Michael Arthur reports.

However, to remove the gold, Cyanide will be pumped into the mountains. This process is extremely dangerous for the public health of people living in the area and the local ecosystem, the nearby Owenkillew River is the home of the protected Freshwater Pearl Mussel.

Despite being a highly profitable global company, Dalradian have received grants from Invest NI and over