A public inquiry into a proposed gold mine in the Sperrin Mountains heard estimates that policing costs for the Police Service of Northern Ireland could reach £3 million per year. The inquiry, held at the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh, is examining Dalradian Gold's application. Third-party objectors Martin Tracey and Fintan McAleer stated that daily operations, including explosives transport, blasting, and storage, would require up to five officers on site each day.

The PSNI has not participated in the inquiry and was not named a statutory consultee by the Department for Infrastructure. Objectors noted a prior unpaid £500,000 PSNI bill for security at Dalradian's Greencastle site in County Tyrone from August 2015 to June 2016. Dalradian barrister Stewart Beattie said the company would pay policing costs if required but lacks a statutory basis for charges related to explosives handling.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council barrister Conor Fegan argued that policing expenses must factor into the mine's economic assessment. Inquiry commissioner Cathy McKeary questioned costs for explosives magazines and underground storage, with Beattie confirming no payment obligation without statutory grounds.

Objectors raised concerns over long-term cleanup, including acid-rock drainage. Dalradian consultant John Merry estimated a £3.3 million bond for worst-case restoration of dry-stack and cell areas, reviewed every three years. Lynda Sullivan and Bill Donnelly cited higher costs from mine cleanups in the Republic of Ireland and Spain, ranging from €5 million to €89 million.

Fegan stated the council expects a restoration bond if Dalradian defaults on post-operation land recovery. Commissioners noted pending evidence from the Department for Infrastructure Roads Division on transport issues, including a road abandonment order. The inquiry resumes next Tuesday.