Concerns gold mining could pollute Derry’s water supply

Derry City and Strabane District Council has supported calls for a public enquiry into a proposed gold mining operation that could affect the local water supply.

The move follows a motion from Independent Councillor Paul Gallagher calling for Minister for Infrastructure Chris Hazzard 'to halt the current inadequate consultation process being undertaken by Dalradian Resources on their proposed gold mining project in Curraghinalt and Greencastle'.

The motion requested that 'the Minister establish an all encompassing public enquiry to investigate the issues arising from these proposed gold mining operations'.

Local residents held a short protest at the Guildhall prior to the meeting to show their opposition to the operation.

Chief amongst their concerns is the potential use of cyanide in Greencastle as part of the processing.

Cllr Gallagher told council that there needed to be a definite decision made on whether a public enquiry would be held.