Funding Northern Ireland’s Unmet Needs: How Our Project Could Help Northern Ireland Prosper

Since submitting our planning application for an underground, multi-metal mine in November 2017, the economic landscape has changed. Global commodity prices have surged, UK Corporation Tax has risen, and Northern Ireland’s public finances continue to face considerable strain.

The project’s potential tax contributions could be weighed against some of Northern Ireland’s most pressing and unfunded needs — from NI Water (£2 billion), the A5 (£1 billion+) and health waiting lists (£500million+) to school infrastructure (£800 million) — helping to support the services and opportunities our communities need most.

A Landmark Investment for Northern Ireland

Against this backdrop, the Curraghinalt Project represents a once in a generation opportunity to strengthen Northern Ireland’s economy for the long term.

Dalradian’s proposed £500 million investment in Tyrone would be one of the largest American foreign direct investments (FDI) ever made in Northern Ireland — almost 400 times larger than the average inward investment typically attracted by Invest NI. Even when considered at a UK level, it stands among the largest FDI investments in recent years.

Supporting Jobs and Local Prosperity

The project will create 1,000 jobs. Direct jobs at the proposed mine will pay an average salary of £45,000 — higher than the averages for Fermanagh & Omagh (68% higher), Northern Ireland (56% higher), and the UK (42% higher). These will be quality, long-term roles that could help sustain families and communities for a generation or more.

A £15 million skills training programme over three years will support local people in developing the expertise required to take up these positions. Once complete, we expect up to 90% of the workforce to be from the local area.

Strengthening the Local Supply Chain

The benefits of the project will extend far beyond the mine site, with an estimated £1 billion local supply chain (70% of the overall £1.4 billion supply chain). Local businesses across Tyrone and beyond stand to gain from supply chain spending on goods and services ranging from environmental to engineering and fabrication, health and safety equipment, haulage, equipment and vehicle hire, mechanics, materials such as concrete, steel and fuel, catering, cleaning and printing, to name only a few.

A community development fund of at least £4 million will also support local projects, ensuring the benefits of mining are shared locally.

Generating Growth and Reducing the Trade Deficit

At current commodity prices, the project is expected to add £9 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy, which is a key measure of economic growth that reflects the value a project contributes beyond the cost of inputs. GVA represents the additional wealth created by the project through its activities, such as production, employment, and services.

Northern Ireland currently faces a trade deficit of about £1.5 billion. The Curraghinalt Project could help reduce this deficit by almost a quarter, strengthening Northern Ireland’s balance of trade.

Contributing to Public Finances

While Dalradian has no role in determining how government revenues are allocated, the project’s estimated lifetime tax contribution of approximately £2.3 billion would make it one of the largest corporation taxpayers in the UK and represent a major boost to the UK Treasury. This level of potential contribution is comparable to the budgets needed for many of Northern Ireland’s most pressing infrastructure and public service challenges — from water infrastructure and health waiting lists to school improvements and road maintenance.

As noted by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee in March 2024, “Northern Ireland’s public services, especially in the health, education and justice sectors, are in a poor state after years of political instability, lack of funding and of reform.” At a time of financial strain, projects of this scale can demonstrate that Northern Ireland is open for business and ready to attract investment that supports renewal and growth.

*References below

Setting a New Benchmark for Modern Mining

Our proposed mine has been designed to meet the highest environmental standards, with a commitment to carbon neutrality and a water treatment plant that can treat to better than drinking water quality. The mine design incorporates the best available technologies for waste management and includes measures to enhance local biodiversity.

The Curraghinalt Project is now nearing the end of the planning process, with the public inquiry scheduled to resume in April 2026.

As Northern Ireland continues to face economic challenges, the project offers an opportunity — still subject to planning approval — to deliver long-term benefits through investment, skills, and innovation.

References

* NI Water - Summary Position Paper (NI Chamber of Commerce / NIFHA / CEF) June 2025

* Health waiting lists - https://www.newsletter.co.uk/health/investment-of-more-than-ps1bn-and-culture-shift-on-patient-care-needed-to-fix-ni-waiting-lists-mlas-told-4907705

* A5 Development - https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/news/odowd-announces-a5-construction-begin

* Mobuoy Dump - DAERA Annual Accounts 2022/23

* Road Maintenance Backlog - https://www.niauditoffice.gov.uk/publications/html-document/road-openings-utilities-media-release

* Social Housing - https://www.nihe.gov.uk/getattachment/a75590b2-a674-45fc-93ba-bbfc7030e985/NIHE-Response-to-DFC-Budget-EQIA-25-26.pdf#:~:text=As%20outlined%20in%20the%20DfC's,shortfall%20of%20%C2%A361.5m.

* School Infrastructure - https://www.niassembly.gov.uk/news-and-media/press-releases/session-2025-2026/new-report-shows-systemic-failure-in-schools-estate-management-with-bill-of-up-to-800m-for-outstanding-repairs-and-maintenance/#:~:text=Management%20of%20the%20schools'%20estate,Health%20and%20Safety%20Executive%20NI.

* Casement Park / NI Football Fund - https://www.pivotalpolicy.org/our-work/pivotal-platform/from-the-maze-to-the-ni-football-fund-20-years-of-stadium-promises

*PSNI -https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2d3xjewzjdo#:~:text=PSNI%20says%20it%20needs%20%C2%A3200m%20extra%20to%20address%20staffing%20deficit&text=In%20September%2C%20PSNI%20chief%20constable,the%20financial%20year%20to%20April.