A proposal which could see gold mined in Argyll will be available for public scrutiny next week.
Scotgold Resourses Ltd, which presently produces the precious metal above the ground at its site in Tyndrum, says its plan will improve the visual effect of the area.
If the pre-application consultation is a success and the proposal is approved by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority, it is hoped this will be the first step towards mining underground.
Extraction and processing operations at Cononish Gold Mine were given the go-ahead back in 1996, then in 2013 and lastly in 2015.
Rob Latimer of planning and environmental consultants, Dalgleish Associates Ltd based in Dunblane, said: “Gold is presently being produced at Cononish through ore which is stockpiled at the site.
“The waste materials are called tailings and this revision to the extraction and operating process, means that these may be dried and stacked. They can then be landscaped into a number of naturalistic moraine landforms making the site look more attractive.
“This will reduce the initial capital expenditure and make the whole mine development more easily fundable.”
Mr Latimer explained that the surface area of the Tyndrum site is almost 100 acres and the mine currently employs around 10 people.
“If permission is granted for this revised plan, Scotgold hopes it will be the first step towards mining at the site.
“There is a lot of interest in Scottish gold actually processed in its native country, especially from the jewellery trade, so we are hoping this application will go through in about four months.”
Two pre-application consultations will be held in Tyndrum Village Hall on Wednesday, May 10, and Wednesday May 24, from 10.30am-8pm on both days. Representatives from Scotgold Resources Ltd and Dalgleish Associates will also be available to answer questions on all aspects of the proposal.
Written comments can also be sent by letter to Dalgleish Associates Ltd., Cathedral Square, Dunblane FK15 OAH or by email to rob.latimer@dalgleishassociates.co.uk no later than June 14.
When the application is submitted to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, there will be an opportunity for local people to view the finalised proposals and to make representations to the planning authority.