Mullan against gold mining in County Derry

SDLP candidate for East Derry, Gerry Mullan says 'it is unthinkable that sometime in the future' the Feeny area of County Derry 'would become subject to the ravages of prospecting for gold'.
SDLP Colr. Gerry Mullan.SDLP Colr. Gerry Mullan.
SDLP Colr. Gerry Mullan.

Colr. Mullan has also urged everyone to make representations to the Minerals and Petroleum Branch of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment immediately.

Colr. Mullan was speaking following an application for a prospecting licence that covers parts of counties Derry and Tyrone, “and includes some of the most scenic countryside anywhere in Ireland”.

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“The areas include Feeny, Artigarvan, Claudy, Dunnamanagh, Park and Slievekirk. It is unthinkable that sometime in the future these area would become subject to the ravages of prospecting for gold. Gold mining is one of the most environmentally destructive forms of mining. It creates massive amounts of toxic waste. Gold mining also ravages landscapes and pollutes rivers,” said Colr. Mullan. “The environmental damage left by gold mining can last generations.”

The Sperrin Mountains.The Sperrin Mountains.
The Sperrin Mountains.

Colr. Mullan added: “The responsibility for granting these licences lies with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and people need to make their feelings known in no uncertain terms as to why they believe ravaging the countryside in the pursuit of gold is inappropriate and unacceptable.”

Further information is obtainable on their website: www.detini.gov.uk

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