Q Radio News
The man planning to mine for gold in west Tyrone has told Q Radio - Northern Ireland has a special place in his heart.
Patrick Anderson is the Chief Executive of Dalradian.
The Canadian firm has formally put in plans to develop in the Sperrins area and create 350 jobs.
Environmental protesters have campaigned against it, but other local people are supportive - citing the job potential and the impact of a community fund established by the firm.
Two mining finance groups have promised backing of around £46 million if planning and regulatory approvals are granted.
Dalradian said, if approved, a total of £750 million would be spent in constructing and operating the mine in the 25 years covered by the planning application.
An initial exploration project at the Curraghinalt site near Gortin, which currently supports more than 100 jobs, has identified millions of ounces of gold.
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