‘Private profit before environment’ claim as gold mine gets green light
NATIONAL park bosses who unanimously approved revised plans for Cononish Gold Mine at Tyndrum have been accused of putting private profit before the environment and interests of Scotland’s people.
The allegation came from Mountaineering Scotland which said it was disappointed by the National Park Board’s decision and now feared for the area's future.
Mountaineering Scotland’s chief executive officer David Gibson said despite Scotgold Resources Limited giving assurances about the environment, they still believed the scale of the buildings involved and the spread of the waste heaps would have an adverse effect on walkers, climbers and tourists’ experience of the area.
Speaking after the outcome, Scotgold Resources Limited's managing director Richard Gray said objectors’ fears were unfounded.
‘The feedback we get from local businesses who host tourists is that there is a lot of interest in the mine. Yes, there will be operations in the glen and views from certain points will be different, but not from the West Highland Way. We will be contributing to the area and improving the glen to make it more of a naturalistic and attractive place to visit. We will not be stopping people from doing any of the activities in the area they currently enjoy,’ he told The Oban Times.
Work on the project should start in the next couple of months, with a workforce of about 40 people being recruited by this time next year, he added.
Mr Gibson said: ‘Earthworks may do something to hide buildings at ground level, but from the hills around they will be painfully obvious. The main purpose of a national park is to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area for the nation. By approving this application the board of the national park have clearly demonstrated they put private profit before the environment and the interests of the people of Scotland.
‘Some jobs may be created if the mine is successful, but there is little evidence for the optimistic employment projections for the mine, while there is recognition there will likely be a negative impact on tourism spend and related employment.’
Convenor of the National Park Authority Board James Stuart said the approval, which followed a public hearing in Crianlarich village hall, had been unanimous after careful consideration and hearing from expert specialists.
‘The National Park is a special place but it is also a place where people live and work, and it is the park authority’s job to balance the need for development with the heritage and conservation of this unique landscape,’ he said.