Mineral Exploration

For such a small country (circa 14 000 square kilometres), Northern Ireland has a wide variety of rock types spanning many different geological periods. It consequently has the potential for mineral resources of many styles and settings.

The metamorphic Dalradian rocks, mainly in the Sperrin Mountains, have been the focus for base metal and gold exploration which has resulted in the Curraghinalt and Cavanacaw gold discoveries. The Lower Palaeozoic strata of counties Down and Armagh host lead and silver deposits that were extensively mined in the nineteenth century and, more recently, alluvial gold has been found close to the Mournes granite complex.

Read more about Mineral Exploration View the 2004 Minerals Promotional Pack

Oil and gas

New webpages on oil and gas exploration and licensing can be found by following this link.