Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced planning approval to extend an underground exploration project for gold and common metals, near Gortin, County Tyrone.

The proposal is a temporary exploration project and involves the extension of the existing 700 metre tunnel to 2,100 metres over a three year period.

1,400 cubic metres would be exported for testing and 6,000 cubic metres would be filled onto agricultural land to the north of the site and returned to agriculture. The proposal intends to establish the feasibility of a larger mining operation in the area.

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Mr Durkan said: "Companies like Dalradian Resources are working to unearth gold discoveries and in the process are bringing jobs and investment to the region, I very much welcome this.

"Over 50 jobs will be created. These and the wider benefits the development will bring will help the local economy.

"Environmental protection will be of paramount importance, the company will be operating within very strict compliance parameters. This combination will help achieve my vision of creating a stronger economy, a better environment."

(CD/IT)