Northern Ireland Mineral Prospecting Licences relinquished

Following a 12 week public consultation the Department for the Economy granted seven Mineral Prospecting Licences (MPLs) in May 2025.

Public notices of the intention to grant the MPLs were passed to the Belfast Gazette but were not published, as required under the Mineral Development Act (Northern Ireland) 1969.

Following legal advice on this oversight, the Department has now sought approval of the Licensees to relinquish the MPLs which has been agreed.

If applications are resubmitted, a new 12-week consultation will be required.