Apply for a Prospecting Licence

A Prospecting Licence (PL) allows the holder (the Licensee) to prospect for specified minerals in a defined geographic area referred to as a prospecting licence area (PLA). Prospecting (mineral exploration) in Ireland is defined under the Minerals Development Acts 1940 - 1999 and is regulated by this department. The Minerals Development Act 2017 was enacted on 26 July 2017 and is due to be commenced.

A Prospecting Licence will normally be valid for six years and will entitle the Licensee to carry out various activities in the search for certain (specified) minerals. Prospecting Licences can be renewed, subject to the satisfaction of the Minister.

Applicants for a Prospecting Licence must complete a Prospecting Licence Application Form, pay the application fee, and provide:

• evidence of technical ability and financial viability
• reasons why you are applying for particular minerals, and an appropriate exploration programme
• commit to expenditure requirements and agree with standard licence terms
• insurance against third party claims or environmental damage, with the Minister indemnified

All applications for prospecting licences must be made using the form above, accompanied by a fee of €190 per Prospecting Licence Area.

Following the evaluation of an application, if it is deemed acceptable, an offer is then made to the company, setting out the terms of the prospecting licence and the area to be licensed. On acceptance, notification of the Minister's intention to grant a prospecting licence is then advertised on gov.ie, in a local newspaper, in the local county council offices and a local Garda station. Prospecting Licences that the Minister intends to renew are also advertised in this way.

Licence holders should respect the wishes of the landowners regarding access and are obliged to comply with the conditions of their prospecting licence and Guidelines for Mineral Exploration which set out in considerable detail the standard operating procedures required to avoid damage or pollution. Licensees are also required to report on their activities every two years.

Prospecting Licence Holder Forms

Holders of a prospecting licence will be required to submit the forms below on review or renewal of a Prospecting Licence. For more information, please refer to the Rules for Mineral Exploration in Ireland document and the guidance document for stakeholders, for when these forms are to be submitted.

In 2017, this department requested expert guidance to evaluate the environmental effects of certain exploration methodologies. The resulting reports outline the likely effects of these methodologies on various habitats and species listed under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. The reports also provide guidance and recommendations around environmental impact screening, based on best available scientific knowledge.