Serious concerns have been raised after Canadian firm Dalradian submitted a planning application to develop and operate a major gold mine in Co Tyrone.

The Green Party NI said residents are struggling to have their voices heard over their concerns about the threat of water and air pollution after the firm confirmed it would be using cyanide as part of the process.

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Tyrone representative Ciaran McClean said: "Serious failings have been highlighted in the way the planning authorities have dealt with similar such proposals in the Sperrins over the past decade, and we are well aware of the stress that has been caused to local residents.

"Now we are seeing one of the biggest planning applications ever lodged and it is arriving on the table at a time when there is no Minister or elected Assembly in place to carry out the vital scrutiny that is needed. This is not the way that business should be done in Northern Ireland."

(CD/JP)