Driving Regional Growth and Productivity

Since we submitted our planning application for an underground multi-metal mine in November 2017, there have been a number of major economic changes, including a doubling of key commodity prices and an increase in UK Corporation Tax.

Our Tyrone project will be one of the largest ever American foreign direct investments in Northern Ireland, create and support 1,000 jobs and generate a c.£1 billion local supply chain (70% of the overall £1.4 billion supply chain).  As a result of these changes, our project will single-handedly reduce Northern Ireland’s trade deficit by 22%, contribute over £5 billion Gross Value Add (GVA) to Northern Ireland’s economy and generate c.£1.2 billion in tax revenue/payments to the Treasury over the project lifespan.

The project’s productivity per employee will be eight times more than the current Northern Ireland average and double the most productive sector in the economy. Employees will be trained to acquire the necessary skills through a £15 million training programme and paid accordingly, with an average salary of £45,000. This is considerably higher than the Fermanagh & Omagh District Council average of £25,900 and the Northern Ireland average of £27,100 (Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2023).

The Curraghinalt mineral deposit will produce 15,000 tonnes of copper and 3.5 million ounces of gold over the planned life-of-mine. Due to the changes in processing in 2019, the deposit will also produce 1.7 million ounces of silver. The deposit also contains smaller amounts of other materials on the UK and EU critical minerals lists – antimony, bismuth, cobalt and tellurium.

Over the 20–25-year life of the project, more than £2.6 billion will be spent, in the project’s local supply chain, salaries and taxes/payments to the Treasury.

Given the ambition of the Northern Ireland Executive to grow a globally competitive and sustainable economy, Dalradian’s proposed environmentally responsible modern mine is a huge opportunity for the region. The project also aligns seamlessly with Ministers’ plans to create an economy that is regionally balanced, achieves higher productivity, delivers good jobs and supports net zero targets.

At a time when public finances are facing formidable challenges, the project could provide new and substantial funding for much-needed public services. Development of the project will demonstrate that Northern Ireland is open for business and is serious about revitalizing its economy.

The benefits of our project will be widespread in the local area through a community development fund of at least £4m. A 3 year £15m skills training programme over the construction period and into the first year of operations aims to maximize local employment, which is expected to reach 90% once the training programme is complete. Local businesses will win the lion’s share of the supply chain spending, providing products and services ranging from environmental to engineering and fabrication, health and safety equipment, haulage, equipment and vehicle hire, mechanics, fuel, catering, cleaning and printing, to name only a few.

We have designed an environmentally responsible project which aims to be the first carbon neutral mine in Europe and includes what we understand will be the most sophisticated water treatment plant in Northern Ireland. The project is nearing the end of the planning process, with a public inquiry beginning on 13 January 2025.