Gold and diamond mine prospecting licences are to be granted to three companies wishing to explore the Co Fermanagh and Co Tyrone areas for the precious minerals.
The Department for Economy has signalled its intention to grant the licences to Flintridge Resources, Karelian Diamond Resources and Mount Castle Trust in a letter delivered to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council this week
One of the companies, Flintridge Resources, has already established a mine in Co Tyrone in recent years.
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Now it has signalled plans to carry out prospecting for gold further west in the county and into parts of the north of Co Fermanagh.
The Department has also stated its intention to grant licences to Finnish company Karelian for a large area including parts of the Fermanagh and Omagh, and Mid Ulster areas.
Parts of West Tyrone extending into the Derry and Strabane District Council area have also been earmarked for mineral prospecting by Mount Castle Trust.
While the letter was delivered to local councillors ahead of the full council meeting this week, no comment was made on the issue, with representatives asked to consider ahead of next month’s Regeneration and Community committee meeting.
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