A public inquiry is due to start today into proposals for a controversial gold mine in outside Omagh.
Canadian company Dalradian is behind the application for the Sperrin Mountains.
It says it’ll boost the economy – but local campaigners are worried about the impact on the area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The proposed underground mine would have a 20-year lifespan.
RTÉ reports that Dalradian has applied to extract 3.5 million ounces of gold, 850,000 ounces of silver, and 15,000 tonnes of copper.
They say this would deliver at least 350 permanent jobs, boosting the wider economy.
However, there have been many objections as the site is in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The construction of a mine would have an impact visually and environmentally, with mention to the aquatic wildlife in the area.
There are concentrated concerns over what is known as the mine waste facility which would cover around 28 hectares.