It has been confirmed that license applications that would have granted an exploration company access to gold mining across 52 townlands in Donegal have been withdrawn.
On Monday, a representative from Great Glen Resources said the mining company would no longer be seeking exploratory prospective licenses for Donegal.
In a statement, the company said: “Great Glen Resources Ltd. would like to make the community of Donegal aware of their decision to withdraw their application for PLs 3071, 3978, 4548 & 4559 with immediate effect. The Exploration and Mining Division (EMD) have been notified of this decision.”
The withdrawal follows days after a large crowd in Glenfinn, one of the areas Great Glen Resources sought to search for precious minerals, came out to oppose the proposal.
Cllr Michael Mac Giolla Easbuig, who previously urged the people to object the plans, said while the news was ‘encouraging’, communities should stand ready for further applications from other companies in the future.
“The news that Great Glen Resources has decided to withdraw their application is certainly encouraging for the 52 townlands across Donegal.
“But, I cannot stress enough the caution the community must take with this news,” he added.
“Communities must stay vigilant because just because this company has withdrawn their plan does not mean that other companies will now not apply.
“At the end of the day, we are talking about mining companies,” Mac Giolla Easbuig said. “They are ruthless and do not have any consideration or the best interests for the communities in Donegal or its environment.
“I would applaud the communities that have organised themselves and ask them to continue with their resolve because when we as a community come together, it is clear that we can achieve what we want to achieve.”
