The JV will explore four prospective gold licences covering 130sqkm held by Connemara on the Wicklow/Wexford border.

Canadian exploration company Hendrick will spend EUR500,000 to earn a 50% interest in the licences and has the option to spend a further EUR500,000 to increase its stake to 75% of the joint venture.

Exploration field work will commence immediately, reports irishexaminer.com.

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