Five new prospecting licenses have been granted to Gold and Zinc exploration firm Connemara Mining.
The exploration will cover thousands of acres on the Inishowen Peninsula In Co. Donegal.
Geologists said they believe the 187 sq km area to be a “high grade gold mineralisation” with the potential for other base metal deposits.
A 2013 Tellus Border survey revealed signs of elevated gold in the region along with several other sites in the bordering counties. A previous mining license holder for the area found gold in some rocks.
Connemara said it’s programme will start “over the coming days” and the results will be expected in July.