Fencing erected at controversial proposed mining site in Tyrone

SECURITY fencing and cameras were erected today at the site of a protest campaign against controversial plans for a goldmine near Greencastle.

The Greencastle People’s Office has been operating since 2018 on land earmarked by Dalradian Gold Ltd for their mine.

For the past eight years, protestors have organised a series of events on the site.

But on Friday morning, workers moved in to seal off the site.

Signs warning against trespassing were erected on gates in the area yesterday, before fencing and security cameras were installed on Friday morning.

However, signs put up on the fencing advises people to contact the Gardai rather than the PSNI.

A public inquiry into the goldmine proposals began in January 2025. However, it was stopped after less than three days due to concerns that proper cross-border consultations did not take place in relation to the potential transboundary impact of the goldmine.

Martin Treacy, from Communities Against Mining, condemned the security measures, which the group has described as ‘an incitement’ to raise tensions in the area by provoking a response from he community.

“People in the Greencastle area have been suffering for 10 years now as a result of what Dalradian Gold are planning here,” he added.

“It appears to us that the fencing and cameras which have been erected are an attempt to facilitate the work of Dalradian.”

Speaking to WeAreTyrone, Cormac McAleer, from Save Our Sperrins, said local people are ‘outraged’ by the installation of the security measures.

“This is a provocation of the local community which has been involved in a peaceful act of resistance here,” he said.

“The goldmine will destroy the environment, the water and the rivers. The people have every right to protest and we will continue to do that.”

A spokesperson for Dalradian said, “We are aware from social media posts that an event is being planned to take place on land owned by the company. We have written to the organisers to advise them that there is no permission to access these lands or to host any public events on them. Signage has been posted and fencing repaired to clearly mark land that is privately held.

“Those planning to attend the event should be aware that as the organisers do not have permission from the landowner the event will not comply with the usual public liability requirements.

“The planning application for our underground mine is progressing through a public inquiry and this is the appropriate forum for people to engage around the application. The company respects both the inquiry process and the right for stakeholders to engage and hold contrasting views. This is the legal and legitimate process.

“Dalradian’s project will create and support 1,000 jobs for our community, provide a £7bn boost to the wider economy and generate £2.5bn in tax.

“Over 4,000 people have registered their interest in employment opportunities with the company, and we remain open to genuine dialogue. We’ve hosted public information and provided tunnel tours for 2,000 visitors at our exploration site.

“The planning process, which has been ongoing for the best part of a decade, provides ample opportunity for people to legitimately make their voices heard.”