As a long term replacement to Foss Mine the Duntanlich Barite Mine was approved today at Perth and Kinross Council’s Development Management Committtee.

This development will secure an indigenous supply of the UK’s barite requirement for around 50 years.

Appeal allowed and permission granted for an extension to Hillend Quarry, Caldercruix.  Rather than working the previously consented site known as Braehead Farm (adjacent but separate) we undertook a review on behalf of Tillicoultry Quarries Ltd and have now secured permission to work this reserve as an extension to Hillend Quarry.  This will allow the extraction of 20 million tonnes of hard rock over a period of 40 years, minimise potential environmental impacts and facilitate restoration of the total worked area.

Bruce Crawford MSP today officially opened the Bulk Processing Trial at Cononish.  The trial has now been operational for a few weeks and the first doré (semi-pure alloy of gold and silver) was on display at today’s opening of the scheme. Let’s hope that the reality of Scottish Gold inspires the necessary investment to see a full scale mining operation.

Lisa has joined us today, bringing a wealth of experience, particularly in the coal mining industry.

A bulk processing trial for Cononish was permitted today by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority.  This will enable Scotgold to demonstrate the reality of Scottish Gold with a view to securing investment for a full scale mine.