MINERAL mining could one day be a feature in the South Clare landscape as a prospecting licence is about to be granted for Bunratty.
Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten has supplied notice that he intends to grant a licence to search for minerals in the baronies of Bunratty Lower, Bunratty Upper and Islands.
“A prospecting licence entitles the holder to explore for mineral deposits and does not authorise mining of any minerals.
“The activities permissible under a licence are, in general, non-invasive and of minimal environmental impact.
“The Minister has assessed the exploration programme proposed by the company and has determined that the activities are not likely to have a significant effect on the environment,” the notice reads.
The licence will cover Unicorn Mineral Resources Limited to prospect for barytes, base metals, platinum group elements, gold and silver.
The prospecting process will involve remote sensing, geological mapping, prospecting, lithogeochemical sampling and ground geophysics.
The prospecting notice states that these measures are deemed to be temporary, non-intrusive activities, involving minimal disturbance and have a limited zone of influence.
Once a licence is granted it is valid for six years and is renewable.
Maps showing the prospecting sites are available at the Clare County Council offices, Ennis and Newmarket-on-Fergus Garda Stations, the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
Objections to the grant of the licences should be made to the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment within 21 days.
