They also claimed the scheme could cause “chemical contamination” to schoolchildren in the area.
Dalradian, a US-backed firm, plans to mine for gold and other precious metals in the Sperrins for the next 20 years.
However, the plan has deeply divided the local community.
A public inquiry into the proposed gold mine is underway.
In a letter presented to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, dated August 18 and seen by this newspaper, three priests in nearby parishes to the supposed “blast site” for mining raised concerns about the impact it would have on the community.
Rev Brian Donnelly, Rev Roland Colhoun and Rev James Devine raised concerns about the proximity of mining close to St Mary’s Church at Rouskey, St Patrick’s Church in Greencastle and the adjoining cemeteries, as well as Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School in Greencastle.
The letter was also given support from Bishop Donal McKeown, Apostolic Administrator of Derry.
In the letter, also reported by the Ulster Herald, they said that they always “maintained a neutral position” regarding Dalradian’s proposed mining operation in the Sperrins and had not released public statements on the matter until now.
The earliest grave in St Mary’s Church, Rouskey, dates back to 1824 and the priests said any disturbance would cause “untold emotional and psychological distress for living family members.”
“As Christians, the burial sites of our beloved dead are sacred, and we honour these sites with the utmost care and respect,” they said.
“These are the graves of our family, friends, and neighbours who have gone before us and passed on to us our faith, culture and love for our townlands.
“With blasting occurring in such close proximity to the sacred burial site, it is likely that graves will be disturbed and collapse, leading to untold emotional and psychological distress for living family members.”
They added that the proximity of the mining operation to St Patrick’s Church and graveyard in Greencastle is also of “pressing concern” due to it being built with stone and a shallow foundation.
They added that the graves at this property are also at risk.
The priests have called for a one-mile exclusion zone around the churches, graveyards and school, which they say is at risk of “chemical contamination”.
The letter added: “With the risk of chemical contamination of the land and water table and the potential for airborne toxins produced by the mining operation, we fear for the health of our children, teachers and staff.
“As trustees of the school, we have a duty of care to the school community to ensure that they are protected from potential health risks.
“Given these concerns, the proximity of the mining operation could devastate the Catholic faith community in Rouskey and Greencastle.
“If our church buildings were damaged by the blasting from the mining operations and the buildings were subsequently condemned, we would lose our places of worship, and our Catholic faith community would be devastated and homeless.”
They concluded: “This letter should not be interpreted as an attempt to take sides on this issue, but rather as a duty to safeguard the church lands and properties placed in our care.”
A spokesperson for Dalradian said: “As all issues to do with our application are being closely examined at the current planning inquiry in Omagh, it is inappropriate for us to comment in detail at this time.
“Dalradian is, however, proposing a modern underground mine that would be subject to strict regulation, monitoring and enforcement.
“Extensive environmental, health and engineering assessments have been completed as part of the planning process.
“The project is designed to operate within limits designed to protect public health, local buildings and the environment.
“We have always welcomed the opportunity to have meaningful and explanatory conversations with all stakeholders to answer any questions they may have.
“Modern underground mines operate safely near communities.
“Other mines on the island, such as Europe’s largest zinc mine, which operates in Navan, Co Meath — less than 500m from a built-up urban area — show how highly regulated mining can work alongside local communities.”
Last week it emerged that a Stormont department spent almost £400,000 on a goldmine report which it submitted too late to be included in evidence at a public inquiry.
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) hired environmental consulting firm Golder Associates UK Ltd in May 2020 to independently review Dalradian’s mine waste management plans.
The Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) said last Wednesday it would not accept the report as late evidence.