Exploration company Arkle Resources has secured a new lithium exploration block north of its Mine River Block in Wicklow/Wexford, Ireland.

The new block comprises four licences that hold prospects for lithium, rare earths and gold, among other minerals, including gold and platinum.

Arkle has to make a minimum investment of €10,000 ($10,546) for exploration work on each of the licences over the next 24 months.

Arkle chairman John Teeling said: "I am delighted that Arkle has been awarded four licences in Wicklow to prospect for lithium, rare earths and gold, among other minerals. It has long been known that the Leinster granites contain lithium in pegmatites, but little serious exploration has been undertaken.

“We identified this ground after earlier prospecting by Arkle on our existing licences indicated their prospectivity. It is prime ground, which has never been explored for lithium. We will be on the ground in the near future."

Located close to the known lithium-bearing Leinster granites in the east, the Aughrim block has undergone exploration work that dates back to the 1970s for gold, silver and base metals.

Arkle said there has been minimal to no exploration for lithium at the block despite its proximity to the granites.

In a press statement, Arkle said: “The ground is contiguous with the International Lithium Corp – Gangfeng Lithium joint venture to the west, where a large zone of lithium-bearing pegmatites has been discovered associated with the Leinster granite pegmatite belt. The directors believe this new ground is fertile for lithium deposits.”

Last year, Arkle received three licences with a prospect for lithium in Zimbabwe.

Located in the Insiza district of the Matabeleland South Province, these licences cover an area of 163 hectares.