Environmentally Responsible Mine Would Support UK And EU Critical Minerals Goals

Dalradian’s 2025 Responsible Business Report sets out carbon reduction, water protection and biodiversity commitments

Dalradian’s 2025 Responsible Business Report  says environmental responsibility remains central to the company’s plans for a modern, light-footprint underground mine in County Tyrone, while also setting out how the project could support UK and EU ambitions to strengthen critical minerals supply.

With demand for critical minerals increasing and global supply chains facing continued uncertainty, including from countries such as Russia and China, the report says Dalradian’s project can contribute to UK, EU and other governments’ efforts to develop more secure domestic sources of essential metals.

The Curraghinalt deposit will produce 3.5 million ounces of gold, 1.7 million ounces of silver and 15,000 tonnes of copper, if planning approval is granted. Dalradian says these quantities are equivalent to enough gold to meet 1.8% of global electronics demand, enough silver for every hybrid vehicle in the UK, and enough copper for 3,500 wind turbines.

The project would create 1,000 jobs and generate £2.3 billion in taxes if approved.

The report outlines that Dalradian has maintained carbon neutral status for the seventh consecutive year, including a 45% reduction in its carbon footprint since 2023. The company also reported no environmental non-compliance events during the year.

Patrick F.N. Anderson, Dalradian’s Chief Executive Officer said:

“Our vision is to build a modern, environmentally responsible mine that protects the local environment while supporting long-term economic growth and community development.

“If approved, the project will be transformative for the region. By creating hundreds of well-paid jobs, long-term business opportunities for local firms and adding billions to the economy, the proposed mine will improve regional balance, productivity and skills – strengthening Tyrone as an industrial & engineering powerhouse.”

Since the project was launched in 2010 the demand for metals and critical minerals has increased as the drive for electrification has accelerated and an unstable geo-political background has threatened supply chains.

Dalradian’s deposit, which contains critical and growth minerals including copper and tellurium, could support ambitions by the UK to increase the domestic supply of these metals to around 10%. ¹

Brian Kelly, Dalradian’s Managing Director added:

“Environmental responsibility and economic opportunity are not competing objectives. A modern underground mine can support local jobs, skills and supply chains while meeting high standards for water protection, biodiversity and climate responsibility.

“Dalradian is committed to a sustainable future, and we are working with partners to establish an environmental centre of excellence. The project already uses 100% renewable electricity and all of the company’s diesel vehicles now run on hydrotreated vegetable oil.

“We are continuing to work closely with our community to enhance their benefits from the project. So far, we have invested £1.2 million in local community projects, supported 32 educational bursaries and placed work with 50 small businesses in the local area, and a further 500 across Northern Ireland. If planning is approved, we will deliver a £15 million training fund to support local employment and an additional £4 million community fund.”

The report identifies water protection as a central part of the project design, including a treatment system that uses some of the world’s most advanced technology to make sure water leaving the site is clean and safe for local rivers. There will also be a water quality Betterment Plan to improve the overall quality of water in the area.

As part of its plans to plant 30,000 indigenous trees at the future mine site, staff have collected more than 60,000 local seeds and cuttings for Dalradian’s Tree Nursery. To date, almost 3,000 saplings have been grown by the nursery team. The project aims to increase overall biodiversity in the area through the planting of 14 native tree species and habitat improvements.

The project is currently being considered through a public local inquiry, which is due to conclude in November 2026.

¹ The UK Critical Minerals Strategy aims to increase the domestic mining of critical minerals to meet 10% of UK demand by 2035