Precious metal mining moves a step closer in Fermanagh

A NEW report by a major mining company has confirmed the huge potential of finding precious metals in Fermanagh.
Karelian Diamond Resources PLC announced that an assessment prepared by independent geological consultant, Dr Larry Hulbert, confirmed previous tests that indicated a strong likelihood of finding nickel, copper and platinum-group elements here in the county.
Karelian has been carrying out exploration in the county for several years after previously being granted a licence to prospect in the Coonian and Brookeborough areas.
Late last year the company announced it had begun a full exploration programme in the county after its sampling – which had initially been searching for diamonds – indicated the presence of nickel-copper-platinum mineralisation.
The new independent report has now revealed that the potential amount of precious metals locally is similar to those lucrative deposits found in Norilsk in the Russian Arctic and the Baraga Basin in Michigan, the US.
“Dr Hulbert’s review is extremely encouraging. The geological similarities with areas associated with world-class discoveries of nickel, copper and platinum deposits are striking,” Professor Richard Conroy, chairman of Karelian, said.
A series of targets in the local area were identified by Dr Hulbert during his review and recommended for follow-up.
“The review confirms the potential for the discovery of major nickel, copper and platinum elements on Karelian’s licences in Northern Ireland. We look forward to following up on the targets recommended by Dr Hulbert,” Mr Conroy said.
Both nickel and platinum are highly sought after in the current eco-conscious market, with nickel often lauded as an alternative to lithium in the production of electric car batteries, and platinum seen as effective at converting emissions from the vehicle’s engine into less harmful waste products.
However, while the mining of the metals does not carry the same ethical concerns as others such as lithium and graphite, experts have noted the extraction of these metals has come at an environmental and health cost in countries where the mines already exist.
Mining at Norilsk in the Russian Arctic has poisoned rivers, killed off boreal forests and belched out more sulfur dioxide than active volcanoes, reports have confirmed.
The environmental problems at Norilsk stretch back for decades and it is known to be one of Russia’s largest industrial polluters.

Posted: 9:59 am June 27, 2024