The mining company Minmet has said it has been advised by its 65-per cent owned subsidiary Connary Minerals that no decision has been reached by Portugal's Minister for the Economy concerning its Castromil licence application although a decision is imminent.

Minmet referred to media coverage of comments by Portugal's Minister for the Environment, Ms Elisa Ferreira, who is reported to have said that due to environmental concerns the government would not support the Castromil application.