Exploration:Exploration group IMC plans to step up drilling in its licence area in Co Clare after finding evidence of ore deposits similar to those found in zinc mines at Lisheen and Galmoy.

The company said yesterday that an assessment of samples taken from its licence in Tulla, Co Clare, showed that the rock shares similar characteristics to those which led to metal ore finds at Galmoy, Lisheen and Silvermines, which held significant zinc deposits.

Glenn Millar, managing director of IMC, said that as a result of the findings, the company has decided to “immediately increase our drilling activity in the Tulla area in order to further understand this area’s exploration potential”.