Clean Air & Water

Water

Water leaving the mine is routinely monitored by regulating agencies and an outside environmental monitoring contractor to the mine. The water passes through settlement ponds to ensure it is clear of suspended solids. Samples are tested for a wide range of criteria and pass metals drinking water standards. Waters leaving the mine site are routinely of far better quality and contain less metals than neighboring streams. When mine water enters local streams this leads to improvement in water quality.

Aside from routine monitoring of mine water, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency  carried out an intensive study of mine water. It was designed as a compliance check applying to groundwaters and surface waters from the premises of Omagh MInerals Ltd. The check confirmed complete compliance and published the report on 14th September 2011.

Air

Dust levels are routinely monitored to ensure guidelines are observed and are at very low levels. As in all modern open pit mines, the control of dust is an important part of operations. The climate of the location, with rainfall of 1600-1800mm per year means that artificial watering is only occasionally required.