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Guidelines for Mineral Exploration and Production

Mineral Exploration and Production must be undertaken in accordance with best practice and respect the environment.

The Geoscience Regulation Office's (GSRO) has published a document setting out the rules relating to mineral exploration in Ireland. These rules are in respect of mineral exploration activities and the associated licensing regime in Ireland. Both applicants for and holders of Prospecting Licences should be aware of these regulatory rules.

The rules are to be read in conjunction with the Stakeholder Guidance Document which gives an overview of how to interact with the GSRO with regard to key regulatory processes.

GSRO Rules for Mineral Exploration in Ireland
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GSRO Stakeholder Guidance Document
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The publications listed provide information through guidelines on how exploration should be carried out.

GSRO Guidance for Good Environmental Practice in Mineral Exploration
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Exploration Drilling - GSRO Guidance on Discharge to Surface and Groundwater
Published 2 August 2019.
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Exploration Drilling - Addendum 1 - GSRO Guidance on Discharge to Surface and Groundwater
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GSRO Guidelines for Completion of Environmental Screening Forms for Mineral Exploration Activities
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Mineral Exploration - GSRO Environmental Screening Forms
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Mineral Exploration - GSRO Weekly Progress Report
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Seismic Data Acquisition, Reporting and Submission: GSRO Mineral Exploration Guidance Document
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GSRO General Requirements for Work Reports and Data: Mineral Exploration Guidance Document 2025
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