A public inquiry into Dalradian Gold's mining application in the Sperrin Mountains heard that cyanide remains mentioned in the company's waste plans and risk tables. The Planning Appeals Commission resumed the hearing in Omagh on Tuesday after it collapsed last year. The application has drawn 50,000 objections.

Commissioner Jacqueline McParland noted the references during the second day of proceedings. She questioned the Department for Infrastructure on whether cyanide had been fully removed from the process. Daniel Elvin KC, representing the department, stated officials assumed it was removed based on the company's assurances.

Stewart Beattie KC, speaking for Dalradian Gold, acknowledged the issue and said the references could be removed or addressed through conditions. Both sides were directed to propose conditions by Wednesday to rule out any on-site cyanide use.

Fidelma O’Kane from Save Our Sperrins recalled assurances from the company's counsel last year that cyanide references would be eliminated. Emmett McAleer, a former Fermanagh and Omagh District Councillor, expressed concern over the department's reliance on a non-technical summary.

Debate also covered vague volume estimates for other chemicals used in mineral extraction. Conor Fegan, legal representative for Fermanagh and Omagh council, explained the figures represent approximate usage for worst-case scenarios. Paul Haughey accused the department of providing preferential treatment to Dalradian.

Third parties raised issues about project splitting across eight separate applications and ongoing changes to the 2017 submission. The inquiry, scheduled over 20 intermittent days until June, continues in Omagh.