Exploration for Minerals in Ireland

 
Exploration is undertaken under a simple, user-friendly licensing system, that provides for flexibility of exploration activity while maximizing on the ground expenditure and stimulating grass-roots exploration for a diversity of minerals. This is done through a Prospecting Licence, which is typically issued within 4 months of application.

The Prospecting Licence (PL) gives the holder the right to explore for certain specific minerals. Only holders of current licences are considered for Mining Facilities to develop such minerals within the licence area, whether the minerals are State-owned or privately-owned. A Prospecting Licence typically covers some 35 sq. km and is normally issued for six years, with the option of renewal if the holder has met the agreed requirements. As a result of exploration over the past 40 years some three-quarters of the country is covered by delineated licence areas, the boundaries of which are located by clearly defined townland boundaries identified on Ordnance Survey maps.

Prohibition on exploration for uranium in Ireland

The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr Eamon Ryan T.D., has announced a prohibition on exploration for uranium in Ireland. In a Press Release dated 2nd December 2007, the Minister pointed to Ireland’s opposition to the nuclear generation of electricity. The Minister said that it would be hypocritical to allow the mining of uranium in Ireland for use in nuclear reactors in other countries. As the granting of a Prospecting Licence for uranium would imply that consideration would be given to the mining of uranium, the Minister has decided not to allow exploration for uranium.

Application and Issue Procedures

Applications for prospecting licences are made on a prescribed form and applicants are required to provide:

• Evidence of technical capability and financial viability
• Reasons why particular minerals are being sought, and an appropriate exploration programme for all such minerals
• Commitment to a minimum expenditure requirement (see table)
• Evidence of suitable insurance against third party claims or environmental damage, with the Minister indemnified

Following evaluation of an application, if it is deemed acceptable, an offer is then made to the company, setting out the required terms and the area to be licensed. On acceptance, notification of the Ministers intention to grant a licence is then advertised see Statutory Notices. There is a statutory 21 day waiting period before the prospecting licence is issued, to allow for any objections.

Licence Terms

Prospecting Licences are issued for a period of six years for specified minerals and can be renewed. A minimum expenditure is required (see table). A minimum work programme is also required, details of which are agreed with the licensee. Progressively increased work and expenditure commitments are required on renewal. Work reports are required every two years, and are held confidential for six years or until surrender of the licence (if earlier). However, an exception is regional airborne surveys, the data from which is made public after four years except over ground still held by the company that commissioned the survey. Third party insurance, indemnifying the Minister, is required for the period of the licence, but need not be licence specific in that the same insurance policy can cover all ground held by the licensee.

Licensees should respect the wishes of the landowners regarding access, and be environmentally responsible. Although exploration is exempted from controls under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts, 1963 to 1993, licensees are provided by EMD with Guidelines for good environmental practice. Typically, two weeks advance notice of drilling is required, while trenching needs prior approval from EMD with immediate rehabilitation thereafter. Stricter controls are applied in environmentally sensitive areas.

EMD staff maintain close field-based contact in order to keep up to date on exploration programmes and ensure that environmental aspects are satisfactory, as well as providing advice as required.