Dr. Caoimhe Archibald, Minister for the Economy, has launched a call for evidence to inform a new mineral licensing policy in Northern Ireland.

The initiative seeks input from the public and stakeholders to modernise legislation contained in the Mineral Development Act (Northern Ireland) 1969 and associated laws. The minister described the current regime as out of date and not fit for purpose. Reforms aim to prioritise community support and environmental protection while creating a more transparent and accountable framework with meaningful community engagement.

Dr. Archibald called the call for evidence a milestone in the review process. Work on necessary environmental assessments continues, with the next milestone being the development of policy options. The new mineral licensing policy will be published by April 2027.

In a statement, Dr. Archibald said: "My Department is developing a new mineral licensing policy that places community support and environmental protection at its heart. I am committed to modernising mineral licensing legislation and building a regulatory framework that is transparent, accountable and rooted in meaningful community engagement."

The call for evidence remains open until Thursday, 21 May 2026. Further information is available at www.economy-ni.gov.uk/consultations/review-mineral-licensing-call-evidence-economy.