A once-in-a-generation opportunity.
In Tyrone, we've discovered essential commodities vital for modern life and a net-zero economy. We're creating jobs, supporting community growth, and upholding high environmental standards. With planning nearly complete, a decision is expected soon.
Our vision
We aim to build a modern underground mine that draws on Tyrone’s heritage of engineering and manufacturing excellence to drive economic growth and community development in the local area and beyond.
The project at a glance
Dalradian’s Curraghinalt project is a significant investment in Northern Ireland that will become Europe’s first carbon-neutral mine. The project contains minerals essential to the UK economy—gold, silver, copper, and a range of critical minerals. Here are just some of its benefits.
Project Timeline
In 1652, Gerald Boate documented the presence of alluvial gold in the Moyola River, approximately 20 miles east of the Curraghinalt area.
In the 1970s, modern mineral exploration commenced in Northern Ireland, focusing on the Tyrone Volcanic Belt.
Ulster Minerals and its successor, Ennex International, extensively explored the Sperrin Mountains. This work led to the discovery of the first gold-bearing vein in Curraghinalt Burn.
Dalradian Resources Inc., a Canadian mineral exploration and development company, acquired the mineral rights to over 80,000 hectares in Northern Ireland, including the Curraghinalt gold deposit.
Began Feasibility study, which supported strong economics for the project, based on 190,000 metres of exploration drilling. Test mining program got underway and continued into 2016.
In 2016, Dalradian held a series of pre-application community consultation events attended by 270 people as part of the planning process. The feedback informed Dalradian’s planning application.
In November 2017, Dalradian submitted a comprehensive planning application to Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to develop an underground mine at Curraghinalt.
The planning application underwent review and two rounds of environmental updates. Dalradian reduced emissions by 25%, committed to carbon neutrality, removed cyanide from processing, and revised mineral extraction volumes. We also published our Responsible Business Report and achieved Carbon Neutral Plus status and Investor in People accreditation.
In September 2021, Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure (DfI) asked the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) to conduct a Public Local Inquiry to thoroughly examine the environmental and socio-economic impacts of Dalradian’s Curraghinalt project.
In 2022, the UK government launched its first Critical Minerals Strategy to ensure future minerals are responsibly extracted and supported by transparent markets. Dalradian’s research identified several critical minerals in the deposit, including tellurium, antimony, bismuth, molybdenum, and cobalt.
The planning process for Dalradian’s Curraghinalt project progressed through key stages, including a pre-inquiry meeting on 20 March, submission of Statements of Case by 18 October, and rebuttals by 25 November, addressing regulatory requirements and public concerns.
Inquiry hearing on Dalradian's planning application began in January 2025.
After the Public Local Inquiry, the Planning Appeals Commission will submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the Department for Infrastructure, after which a final decision will be made on the planning application.
Construction of Dalradian’s Curraghinalt project will begin after securing all approvals, taking 18–24 months and creating about 250 jobs.
Once operational, Dalradian’s Curraghinalt project will create 350 direct jobs and inject £1 billion into the local supply chain over its 20-year lifespan.
After operations, the Curraghinalt mine will be responsibly closed, with land rehabilitation, environmental monitoring, and site restoration to leave a lasting positive legacy.
Interested in working with us?
Learn more about the roles and responsibilities and register your interest in future careers.
Some of the positions on our careers page have been given sample job descriptions to help you better understand the roles.
“From the time I first visited the Curraghinalt project in 2009, I could see that it had great potential. Supported by US investment, we have built the foundations to develop a multi metal underground mine in Northern Ireland – a once-in-a-generation opportunity that aligns with government aims around securing mineral supply, growing the economy, providing good jobs, increasing productivity and regional investment.”
Patrick F.N. Anderson,
CEO and founder of Dalradian Resources Inc.
Dalradian’s project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Tyrone.
It has the potential to boost the economy and support
the local community, all while respecting the environment.
Environment
Now and forever
We use cutting-edge technology and adhere to the latest best practice guidelines to minimise our impact on the Sperrin's unique environment.
Economy
A new industry for Northern Ireland
The Curraghinalt Project will contribute to a regionally balanced economy that achieves higher productivity, delivers good jobs, and supports net-zero targets.
Community
Committed to local people
Dalradian’s Community Fund is supporting community groups throughout the local area.
Your support matters
Support our plans to create jobs, strengthen the local community and respect the environment. The Department for Infrastructure will take your views into account. Help make our plans a reality.
Your letter of support will be sent directly to the Department for Infrastructure. Dalradian will not see your letter, nor any of your details.
Great things can happen with your support
Support our plans to create jobs, strengthen the local community and respect the environment. The Department for Infrastructure will take your views into account. Help make our plans a reality.
Customise a letter of support in two simple steps:
Provide your personal details
This will signal your support to the Department for Infrastructure. You can choose to keep these details private.
Tell the Department for Infrastructure why you support the project
Please tick all the elements you like about the proposed project.
Dalradian will not see your letter, nor any of your details. Your letter of support will be sent directly to the Department for Infrastructure