§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list his powers in relation to the licensing of the opening or operation of mines in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 23 January 1990]: With the exception of precious metals the responsibility for the licensing of any prospecting or mining operations in Northern Ireland falls to the Department of Economic Development under the Mineral Development Act (NI) 1969. The Act vests ownership of most minerals in the Department and empowers it to grant prospecting licences and mining leases, licences, and permissions. Mining applications are subject, of course, to the normal planning procedures operated by the Department of the Environment (NI). The licensing of precious metals is dealt with by the Crown Estate Commissioners.