The earliest evidence of mining in Ireland is provided by Bronze Age (1,300 BC) copper mines at Mount Gabriel in Co. Cork, southwest Ireland. Some copper, lead and silver was also extracted during an extended period in the 19th century however; Ireland was not renowned for its mining industry. In 1856, the director of the Geological Survey of Great Britain, Sir Roderick Murchison even declared the country to be devoid of minerals of any worth. However, since the 1950s the country has undergone a mining boom. This was sparked initially by the discovery of the Ballyvergin copper mine which is situated in the on PL 3787 in the North of Belmore's Co. Clare land package. It was given greater impetus by the discovery of the Tynagh and Silvermines zinc, lead and silver deposits in 1961 and 1962 which lie approximately 40km to the North East and 40km to the East of Belmore's licenses respectively.

More recent exploration on the licenses was started in 1994 by Central Mining Finance (CMF) of London and the work was overseen by Dr. John Colthurst. CMF then entered into a joint venture with BHP Billiton in 1999. During this period, regional airborne geophysics was flown and substantial drilling was carried out on prospective targets. In 1995/96 the 400,000t resource (currently non-compliant) grading 12% combined zinc and lead near Milltown was delineated. When BHP Billiton ceased mineral exploration activity in Ireland, the 50% stake in the Clare licenses was ceded to Mr. George Emo who then transferred this 50% stake to Belmore Resources Ltd on the 20th of March 2002. Belmore Resources (Holdings) Ltd. was then incorporated and launched on OFEX on the 30th of March 2005 as a vehicle to finance exploration activities on these licenses and other prospects in Ireland.