An application has been sought by the Government to grant four prospecting licences for gold, silver and other metals in Co Donegal.
The licenses, which could lead to future exploration and mining, are in Letterkenny, Stranorlar, Glenties and Donegal Town.
A notice outlining plans by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton proposing to grant prospecting licences under the Minerals Development Acts, 1940-1999 appeared on Donegal County Council’s website.
Those wishing to object to the licenses have 30 days from the appearance of the notice which was issued on May 16th.
The company behind the plans are Great Glen Resources Limited, of Queensway, Hertfordshire in England.
The public notice states that a prospecting license does not allow the holder to explore mineral deposits and does not entitle anyone to mine in the area.
It adds that under the license prospectors can only engage in non-evasive with minimal impact on the local environment.
The Minister intends to grant the prospecting licenses specifically for barytes, base metals, gold and silver.
The notice also claims that the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment has assessed the plans to explore in the areas.
“The Minister has assessed the exploration proposed by the company and has determined that the activities are not likely to have a significant effect on the environment,” said the notice.
The notice was issued by the Exploration and Mining Division of the Department of Communications.
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