ANNUAL REVIEW 2021
Tyrone mine project is a rare opportunity by Brian Kelly, Managing Director, Dalradian Anyone familiar with the mining and exploration sector knows that the percentage probability of finding – let alone transforming a potential mineral deposit into a commercially viable mining operation - is low.
which recently opened a gold mine in the Trossachs National Park, Ireland, which has been home for over 40 years to Europe’s largest zinc mine and Sweden, the EU’s leading mining nation with 16 active mines.
Creating a successful mine project depends on a multitude of factors, not least geology. It requires a substantial commitment from the company involved plus the alignment of a host of technological, financial and regulatory issues. This doesn’t happen very often, but when it does – as with Dalradian’s proposed underground mine in west Tyrone – the benefits for the wider economy are substantial.
It comes at a time when the need for metals is increasing to meet demand being driven by renewable technologies – wind, solar, geothermal and battery storage – which will be key to meeting net-zero carbon targets. As the Institute of Geologists of Ireland recently commented: “A future of clean and renewable energy to mitigate climate warming is not possible without metals. Mineral exploration and mining are essential to ensure supply of these metals.”
NI, therefore, is extremely fortunate to be home to a polymetallic (gold-copper-silver) deposit and over 11 years Dalradian has invested c.£130m to progress the project. It gives NI the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of other European countries with vibrant mining projects such as Scotland,
Another key point is that at a time of geo-political uncertainty, Europe is keen to encourage more mineral exploration within the continent. It’s estimated that Europe is 75% dependent on imports for almost all metals and up to 100% for some critical minerals. This is against a
Artist’s impression of Dalradian’s proposals for an underground mine project in Co. Tyrone.
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backdrop of declining mineral production in Europe (down 19% between 2000 and 2018) and at a time when demand is at an all-time high, driven by population increase, advances in modern technologies and the need to decarbonise. While the long-term picture for the mining sector is positive, the economic and social upsides for those areas fortunate enough to host a modern mine are similarly strong. We lodged a planning application to develop an underground mine in 2017, with further iterations and enhancements being submitted in 2019 and 2020. The process is ongoing and the Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, has formally referred the application to the Planning Appeals Commission for Public Inquiry – a welcome move which will provide another level of independent scrutiny of the project. The economic and societal benefits will be substantial. A recent external review into the project carried out by
