A British mineral exploration company will step up its search for valuable gemstones in Donegal today when it begins its drilling programme.
Cambridge Mineral Resources plc plans to drill on 10 sites in the north-eastern part of the Inishowen peninsula, near the town of Moville.
Already the firm has discovered tiny samples of rubies and sapphires, and extensive testing of rock and stream sediments has also revealed diamond-bearing host rocks.
The firm began its exploration programme in Donegal almost three years ago, and has carried out two extensive airborne magnetic surveys.
The data obtained from these have been encouraging, according to the managing director, Mr David Bramhall.
Earlier this summer Cambridge established a small laboratory near Moville which now employs 10 people in the area. "Numerous diamond indicator minerals have been identified," Mr Bramhall confirmed.
The next two months will assist the firm greatly in its efforts to ascertain whether there are commercial mining opportunities in the region.
The drilling rig, operated by Irish Drilling Ltd, will take samples of core rock down to a depth of 100 metres.
The material will then be sorted before being sent to Canada for independent analysis. It is anticipated that the drilling programme will continue until mid-September.