Galantas Gold to begin operating its Irish mine in June

Galantas Gold said it expects to re-start commercial operations at the previously producing Omagh gold mine in Northern Ireland in June.

The Canada-based mining firm said it had made significant progress in rehabilitating the underground workings, acquiring critical mining equipment, refurbishing, and installing electrical, water, and ventilation systems.

However, Galantas has delayed the completion of the secondary egress and installation of the manway, which is a prerequisite to begin production, to mid-May. The miner has said it needed extra time to rehabilitate the ore headings and ramp access safely.

In 2017, the underground development at Omagh was paused until the local police could increase the availability of anti-terrorism cover.

Blasting activities at the mine were halted again in late 2019, mainly due to the limitations imposed by the Northern Irish police. Ore production was then suspended in 2020 due to a lack of funds and the impact of the global pandemic.

Through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Galantas owns the freehold title to more than 220 acres of land, upon which the initial open-pit mine, tailings facility, processing plant, and water clarification ponds are situated. Initial production at the mine is expected at 4,500-5,500 ounces for the remainder of the year and to increase to 17,800 ounces of gold in 2023.