Environmental campaigners resist mining for base metals, gold, and silver ore in Clare

Campaigners say the area is home to rich biodiversity and natural landscape, and is not appropriate for the type of mining that any prospecting may unveil

The Department of the Environment said that Minister Eamon Ryan intended to grant a prospecting licence to Minco Ireland for base metals, barytes, and gold and silver ore around Tulla in Clare. Picture: Gareth Chaney 

Environmental campaigners have said they will vigorously resist any attempts to begin mining in east Clare, after the Department of the Environment approved a licence for a company to explore the possibility.

The department said that Environment Minister Eamon Ryan intended to grant a prospecting licence to Navan, Co Meath-based Minco Ireland for base metals, barytes, as well as gold and silver ore around Tulla in Clare.