A mining company operating in Northern Ireland has secured UK Government permission to bring in staff from around the world.
Canada-based Galantas Gold Corporation has an open pit mine near Omagh, Co Tyrone where it was extracting gold, silver and lead.
They then secured planning permission for an underground mine on the same site off Upper Botera Road, Cavanacaw in 2015.
Read more: Tyrone goldmine protest brings families over border as Galantas eyes up Leitrim
In an update on the company’s Omagh operation in the Global Mining Review, it was revealed that they are looking outside the UK and Ireland for staff.
It was reported that “as Galantas has faced a tight labour market for experienced underground miners, the company has focused on hiring and training local trainee miners”.
“The UK government has now granted Galantas a Visa Licence, which will allow the company to recruit eligible people who satisfy the labour entry requirements from outside the UK and Ireland.”
Drilling and blasting is also expected to restart at the site in May.
Galantas CEO, Mario Stifano, said: “Our team has made significant progress to recommence production at Galantas.
“The decision to delay the completion of the secondary egress prior to commencement of production by approximately six weeks is part of our commitment to best mining and operational practices for the long-term success of the Omagh Project and mining in Northern Ireland.
“Initial production is expected at 4,500 to 5,500 ounces for the balance of the year from mine sequencing and production commencement during the month of June.
“The company is working with experienced mining contractor QME to develop engineering plans to accelerate development to the Joshua Vein by 12 months, which will enable Galantas to mine from multiple headings and veins to provide greater operational flexibility with an expected positive impact on 2023 production, while also providing drilling platforms to drill both Joshua and Kearney veins from underground.”
Galantas holds exploration rights for 437.3km2 of Northern Ireland and was recently granted prospecting licences for two areas just south of the border in Leitrim, despite public opposition.
The new licences allow it to search for gold through subsidiary Flintridge Resources Ltd, over 159.4km2 in the Republic of Ireland.
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