Archibald sets clear direction for mineral licensing policy
Date published:
In a written Ministerial Statement the Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald today updated Assembly colleagues on the ongoing and wide-ranging review of mineral licensing.
The Minister announced that Tetra Tech RPS is to carry out both a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA), both legal requirements of the ongoing review.
The Minister said: “It is important the mineral licensing framework provides the highest level of environmental protection, ensures that local communities benefit appropriately, and commands public confidence.
“With these objectives in mind, a comprehensive review of the existing mineral regime is underway and today I can announce the next major milestone in that review. Tetra Tech RPS, a local company with extensive sector experience, has been awarded the contract to carry out both a Strategic Environmental Assessment and a Habitats Regulation Assessment.”
Setting the direction for future mineral licensing policy, the Minster continued: “Upon taking office it was the intention of my predecessor, Minister Murphy, to introduce a moratorium on the granting of new licences while the review was carried out. However, it was not legally feasible to do so given that the review was at an early stage. These environmental assessments will allow my Department to publish its new policy by April 2027. At this point it will be legally possible for me to introduce a moratorium.”
In conclusion the Minister said: “I can therefore confirm that once these two environmental assessments are complete, I will introduce a moratorium for new mineral licences. A new policy framework will then be legislated for in the next Assembly mandate.”
The next major milestone in the review of mineral licensing will be a Call for Evidence which will provide the public and interested parties an opportunity to inform and co-design the future of minerals policy.
Notes to editors:
1. The legal framework for current mineral prospecting licensing is contained in the Mineral Development Act (Northern Ireland) 1969 and associated legislation.
2. The Department for the Economy is responsible for mineral licensing, with the exception of gold and silver which are under the remit of the Crown Estate.
3. In line with the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (NI) 2004, the implementation of a new legislative framework for mineral licensing requires both a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulation Assessment.
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