DERRY and Strabane council has voted to seek advice on taking legal action against a Stormont department responsible for granting mineral prospecting licenses.
The motion was brought by independent councillor Paul Gallagher last week and seconded by independent Gary Donnelly.
Mr Gallagher proposed that the council “urgently seeks counsel’s opinion on the merits of judicial review proceedings in relation to the decision of the Department for the Economy (DfE)to grant mineral prospecting licences to Flintridge Resources and Dalradian Gold”.
In recent months concerns have been raised about some licenses issued by DfE for mineral and other exploration work across the north.
A plan by Dalradian Gold to develop a mine at Greencastle in Co Tyrone has also been opposed by some residents.
Concerns have also been raised about a proposed cyanide plant, which will be used to strip gold from ore mined in the area although Dalradian insists this poses no health risks.
Mr Gallagher’s motion was passed with 28 votes for, four against and two abstentions.
The independent councillor last night said that the Derry and Strabane local area plan contains measures designed to recognise the environment.
“Nothing is allowed to adversely affect the countryside,” he said.
Mr Gallagher said the development plan deals with environmentally sensitive areas in the Derry and Strabane districts.
Describing the council motion as “ground breaking”, he said:
“These licenses are granted with no consultation with the community, no engagement.
“These drills just appear in the countryside."
A spokesman for Dalradian Gold said: “Prospecting, exploration and mining currently take place safely across Britain and Ireland, with all activities governed by strict environmental regulations.
“Modern mining is required to provide the minerals which are essential for modern life.”
The DfE declined to comment.
