19 Jobs Created In Gold Exploration

19 new jobs are being created through the expansion of a Canada-based gold exploration company.

Dalradian Resources Inc. is creating 19 new jobs in County Tyrone to support its gold exploration project there. The company controls the mineral rights to over 80,000 hectares in Northern Ireland, including the Curraghinalt gold deposit outside Gortin, which has been identified as one of the top ten undeveloped gold deposits by grade in the world.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "The decision by Dalradian Resources to expand its Tyrone operations is good news for the local economy. The company had the option of locating these jobs in Toronto but was swayed by Northern Ireland's cost-effective business environment and the support offered by Invest NI.

"I first met with Dalradian Resources last year on a visit to Canada and I very much welcome that those initial talks, combined with the company's attendance at the Northern Ireland Investment Conference last October, have led to this investment.

"The company is looking to develop the first underground gold mine in Northern Ireland and this offers a unique opportunity to introduce specialist skills and sophisticated international resource investment into our important professional services sector."

Dalradian Resources has been working in the area since early 2010.

The company operates out of facilities in Omagh and Gortin, which employed 23 people prior to this ramp-up of the exploration. The new jobs will be in these centres and will support the company's pre-commercialisation work at the Curraghinalt gold deposit.

Invest Northern Ireland has offered over £326,000 of support for the jobs and associated training, which are expected to generate almost £1m a year in salaries.

(IT/JP)