Rare metal used in solar energy to be mined as part of development

A RARE metal called tellurium which is used in the manufacture of some electronic goods and solar energy has now been confirmed as one of the minerals which will be mined from the goldmine in Greencastle if it gets the green light from planners.

The silvery-white metal, which is comparable to platinum in its prevalence within rock, was among the minerals discussed at the public inquiry into the goldmine development, which has been taking place at the Strule Arts Centre in

Omagh.

It has been estimated that Dalradian Gold will aim to realise 35 tonnes of the mineral over the 25-year lifespan of the mine. The mineral exists within the rock which forms part of the Sperrin mountains in Greencastle and will be extracted from the ore mined underground.

Submissions on the mineral and its potential impacts on human health and the environment were made by the applicant, Dalradian Gold Ltd, third party objectors and experts from the Public Health Agency and other organisations.

The inquiry was told by NIEA’s Industrial Pollution and Radiochemical Inspectorate that tellurium represented a minimal radiological risk, and that there were no significant risks to the environment or human health.

It was also stated that the mineral decays at an ‘incredibly slow’ rate, and that the sampling depth undertaken during assessments was satisfactory.

But the claims were disputed by third-objectors.

They was disputed by former and current health practitioners on behalf of the ‘Save Our Sperrins’ campaign group.

Dr Alan Evans a retired GP, said that tellurium was once used for eye infections but had what he described as a very narrow therapeutic window. He said it could cause kidney issues, seizures, headaches and that it could enter the human body by leaking into waterways and then via the food chain.

However, he advised that not a lot was known about the mineral because it is so rare.

Third-party independent objector, Pat Haughey, said the mineral does have human health implications and was likely to be most dangerous for those working at the mine.

He said that the samples for the mineral carried out were not fit-for-purpose and that the potential health implications had not been assessed.

Martin Tracey said that the problems with transporting the

mineral away from the site also needed to be examined, especially if there was an incident involving a lorry carrying the aggregate containing tellurium in the Greencastle area.