US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens has warned that “unnecessary delays” over a gold mine application in County Tyrone are “harming” Northern Ireland’s reputation. In a speech in Belfast, he urged a swift decision on the Dalradian gold mine project, which he said could bring jobs and investment to the region.
Stephens, appointed by President Donald Trump, told a Belfast Chamber dinner that “bureaucracy must not become a barrier to progress”. He highlighted concerns over energy prices and planning delays, stating: “You cannot expect a US company to make a major investment here if they cannot be certain when they will get an answer from planning authorities.”
The Dalradian project, backed by US investment, proposes an underground mine for gold, silver and copper near Greencastle. The company claims it could support up to 1,000 jobs and add £4.1 billion to the local economy. However, opponents have raised environmental and health concerns.
A planning application was submitted in 2017, and a Planning Appeals Commission inquiry began public hearings earlier this year but was suspended on the third day. Stephens said: “It’s been around eight years with no movement… As the price of gold rises, this mine could bring valuable revenue… You are sitting on a literal goldmine, so please end this unnecessary delay.”
Stephens also noted a recent Economic Prosperity Deal and cross-investment deals worth over $350 billion, including Bank of America’s commitment to bring up to 1,000 jobs to Northern Ireland. He called for “decisiveness” in planning and energy costs to unlock further investment.
Belfast Chamber chief executive Clare Guinness echoed the call, saying: “It’s imperative that all stakeholders work together to create an environment that removes barriers such as planning challenges in order to help attract increased global investment.”
