Developments at Omagh Gold mine put on hold

by Gráinne Connolly

Canadian group, Galantis Gold Corporation has had to put their expansion plans in Tyrone on hold. 

They've been notified that they can't receive the required "anti-terrorism cover" from the PSNI for its blasting operations at the Omagh gold mine. 

The job was expected to create 130 jobs initially, however discussions are now underway about potential redundancies and new hiring and investments have been deferred. 

The "anti-terrorism cover" is a requirement of the PSNI (specific to Northern Ireland) due to the potential terrorist use of the materials on site such as explosives and rock breaking materials. 

The company has been told that PSNI is only prepared to provide anti-terrorism cover for a maximum of a 2 hour period, 2 days per week, also requiring a cost recovery agreement. 

They've also been told that two, 2 hour periods per week are sufficient enough to sustain the development of the Omagh Gold Mine. 

A recent press release stated: 

"The Company disagreed with the principle of costs recovery for anti-terrorism policing but advised PSNI that the Company was prepared to enter into a costs recovery agreement, without prejudice to its legal remedies in that respect, for a 2 hour period, 5 days per week. Although PSNI provided the costs analysis for the 5 day and 2 hour period anti-terrorism cover, which was agreed without prejudice, the PSNI has refused to provide the cover, citing competing priorities."

President and CEO of Galantis, Roland Phelps said: 

"The PSNI's decision is clearly a blow to any proposed mine development in Northern Ireland and negatively affects the livelihood of our employees and families. The Company pays full UK taxes, royalties and mineral license fees. A cost benefit analysis of PSNI providing the required anti-terrorism cover required by PSNI is hugely to the state's benefit - not that this is any reason to allow a potential terrorist threat to interfere with any citizen's lawful rights or business.