Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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596. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he held a meeting or meetings with the Chinese ambassador or his officials this year regarding lithium mining in the Carlow/Wicklow region, or any other region; if a commitment has been given to make the mining process more efficient as part of an approach to boost lithium production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36837/14]

Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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600. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the possibility of lithium mining in the Carlow/Wicklow region, or any region; if licences have been applied for or already issued; if some of these licences have been sold to a Chinese mining company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36835/14]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 596 and 600 together.

I am advised that Blackstairs Lithium Ltd. is a subsidiary, incorporated in Ireland, of TNR Gold Corporation of Vancouver, Canada which was issued with 8 prospecting licences in August 2009, following public notification, over an area covering almost 300 sq kms in Counties Carlow and Wicklow (details of which are published in the biannual report to the Oireachtas by the Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources in accordance with the Minerals Development Acts). The licences are for the standard period of six years and may be renewed under the same terms if the company has complied with all the conditions. While the licences cover a suite of metals, the focus of the exploration is on lithium. I would emphasise that the licences permit exploration activity only, not mining.

The licences have been assigned to Blackstairs Lithium Ltd., under the relevant provisions of the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999, which is carrying out the exploration work on the ground. While I understand that TNR Gold Corporation has a Chinese business partner, this company does not hold the licences. It is not permissible to sell or to trade in prospecting licences.

I am advised that if in the future, following comprehensive exploration and in the event that a viable and commercially feasible resource is identified, Blackstairs Lithium Ltd should wish to apply for a State permission to mine, then it will have to follow a separate application procedure under the Minerals Development Acts, including that of the local planning authority and permitting by the Environmental Protection Agency.

I have not had any meetings with the Chinese Ambassador or others in regard to these licences.