Huge rise in firms prospecting for gold and silver

More companies are prospecting for gold, silver, zinc and lead than ever before across the country, new figures show.

According to the figures, provided by the Department of Energy and Natural Resources, the State is on course to issue a record amount of licences for mineral exploration this year against the background of high prices for minerals.

According to Pat Rabbitte, the minister for communications, energy and natural resources, his department has issued 59 licences in the year to Mar 5.