Northern Ireland gold producer Galantas Gold has delayed its production start by six weeks.

"The decision to delay the completion of the secondary egress prior to commencement of production by approximately six weeks is part of our commitment to best mining and operational practices," Galantas chief executive Mario Stifano said.

The company will begin work on the secondary egress in mid-May to allow for the safe rehabilitation of the ramp access and ore headings at the 1048 level.

Galantas expects to restart development drilling and blasting in the first half of May, with production stoping anticipated in mid to late June.

Initial gold production is expected at 4,500 to 5,500 ounces for the rest of the year, starting in June.

Galantas is working with its contractor QME to accelerate development of the Joshua vein by one year.

This will have an "expected possible impact on 2023 production while also providing drilling platforms to drill both Joshua and Kearney veins from underground," Stifano said.

The company has also been granted a visa licence from the UK government, enabling Galantas to recruit workers outside the UK and Ireland.