Further crownhole confirmed in Magheracloone

SURVEY Gyproc continue monitoring site

Gyproc have confirmed the existence of a further crownhole that showed up as part of the ongoing monitoring of the Magheracloone site since the first major issue in 2018.

A company statement said: “As part of our ongoing monitoring of the old Drumgoosat mine workings, and in particular the surface depression, we reported on December 14 a crownhole of 10.8m has developed at the edge of this area. The crownhole is on Gyproc lands and is located 330 metres from the nearest private home and 300 metres from the nearest road, which is the R179.

“In keeping with established protocols, the crownhole has been inspected, the relevant authorities have been informed and the area is fenced off with the necessary signage in place. We will continue to monitor and survey the area and provide updated information on any developments to keep people informed.”

The existence of the crownhole was put up on the Gyproc website and brought to public attention in a social media post by Twitter user ‘Magheracloone Against Mining’.

The Magheracloone Mitchells GAA club and local community centre premises were condemned and subsequently demolished after a large crownhole emerged in September 2018.

A subsequent report into the incident found that operations involving the transport and storage of water in an old part of a mine had led to the collapse of several mining pillars, which resulted in the emergence of the original crownhole.

At the start of January Gyproc said, following a community information event hosted along with Magheracloone Mitchells GFC and Magheracloone Community Centre last September, they were going to seek planning permission for new developments in the area.

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