Critical metals for high-technology applications: mineral exploration potential in the north of Ireland

There is global concern about the availability of ‘critical’ metals: those of growing economic importance but vulnerable to supply shortage. Production from domestic resources could contribute to security of supply. However, we have little information on how critical metals are concentrated in the Earth’s crust and the resources that exist in the British Isles. Ireland’s diverse geology provides many geological environments in which critical metals may be enriched. This review considers mineral exploration potential for selected ‘critical’ metals identified by the European Commission and others considered important for high-technology applications. Known mineral deposits and the Tellus and Tellus Border geochemistry suggest that the north of Ireland is prospective for some of these metals and warrants further investigation. Extraction of these metals as by-products could facilitate the development of otherwise sub-economic ore bodies in Ireland, thus supporting economic growth.