The Green Party has launched a petition to not permit mining licenses following concerns that they could be granted to Karelian Diamond Resources.

Green Party deputy leader Tanya Jones demanded the Department of Economy to not grant mining licenses "by the back door" during the current political impasse.

She said: "The political stalemate at Stormont could provide a convenient opportunity for companies to pocket licenses by the back door.

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"There are so many unknowns associated with this type of mining. The most basic details are missing from these proposals. We do not know which base metals will be sought, or which locations within the wide licence areas will be targetted. It is essential that we be given the full details now and before any decision is made.

"Furthermore, there is a serious lack of accountability around decision making at present. We are all too aware of the Stormont stalemate with no Ministers in post and no Assembly to scrutinise decision making. It’s not appropriate for civil servants to consider the granting of licenses at this point in time."

(CD/MH)