Precious metal found in the Mourne mountains

Precious metal found in the Mourne mountains

7 January 2015

METAL used in the production of high-tech electronics, wind turbines and electric cars has been discovered in the Mournes.

Geologists have confirmed the mountain range contains much sought after and extremely valuable rare earth elements (REE). But while scientists currently believe the finds are not commercially viable, they are “scientifically significant.”

Dr. Mark Cooper of the Geological Services of Northern Ireland (GSNI) said the finds first came to light following a survey of river water, sediments and soils throughout Northern Ireland.

Further research fieldwork is now being carried out in the Mournes by geologists from the Camborne School of Mines, based at the University of Exeter in Devon.

The aim of the research is to improve the understanding of where REE deposits are found and how they are formed. Scientists say the knowledge will be useful for geologists around the world searching for the critical metals.

The research will also determine the concentration of deposits in the Mournes, which are currently estimated to be too small to be worth mining.

Dr. Siobhan Power of the Mourne Cooley Gullion Geotourism project said the Mournes would be a good candidate for Geopark status, which would promote tourism without restricting land use.

“The Mournes are unique. They tell the story of the closing of the Iapetus ocean, which was here 55 million years ago, and the opening of the Atlantic ocean,” she said. “This area definitely has the geology for Geopark status.”

Proponents of Goeparks say they attract visitors, but unlike National Parks, they do not require areas to be fenced off. Visitors are not charged fees to access Geoparks.