Inquiry on Tyrone Gold Mine Sparks Protests

A public inquiry has commenced regarding a proposed gold mine in County Tyrone, led by Dalradian at the Curraghinalt site. The project aims to create 1,000 jobs and contribute £5 billion to the local economy, but it faces opposition due to environmental and health concerns. The Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) inquiry is being conducted at the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh and will run until the end of March. The first two days focus on strategic matters, with input from local councils. Activists from the Save Our Sperrins group have staged protests against the development, highlighting the ongoing community division over the project. The inquiry follows a 2020 order by former infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon and has drawn mixed reactions from local politicians, with some supporting the economic potential while others highlight environmental risks.