asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether prospecting licences have been granted under the Minerals Development Act to the Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Company, Limited, London, to search for lead and zinc in areas in County Sligo; and, if so, whether it is the policy of the Government to encourage external companies to develop mineral resources of this character for the purpose of exporting unprocessed ores.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Development of Mineral Resources.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Where exploration shows the existence of deposits of minerals which can be commercially exploited, capital and experience are required for the exploitation which may not be available to the extent required in this country. In such circumstances, it would be the policy of the Government to provide facilities for external companies who can provide the technical skill needed and who are willing to invest funds in the working of minerals here. As regards the exportation of unprocessed ores, it may be pointed out that there is no plant available in this country suitable for the smelting of lead and zinc ores.
Is the Minister not aware that the deposits of such ores in this country are necessarily limited and that, in exceptional circumstances like the present, there might be an inducement to foreign companies, if let, to come in here and gut out these deposits, leaving nothing but a hole in the ground behind them? Is there any commercial advantage to this country in having that type of temporary exploitation facilitated? Is it not far preferable to leave the minerals there in the ground, if necessary, until we are able to process them within the country?
As far as leaving holes in the ground is concerned, the Deputy left more than I will ever leave. With regard to the minerals underground, the important thing is to get their value and their amount surveyed, explored and, if possible, exploited for the benefit of this country, both geographically and nationally. At any time when a source is explored and developed, we have permanent authority to control export. Under the Deputy's own Act, a certain amount of export is allowed for experimental purposes.
Does the Minister regard that as an honest reply? Is there not a State company established for the specific purpose of carrying out any mineral exploration which appears to be practicable or desirable? Is it intended that the exportation of ore will be solely for experimental purposes? Is it not well known that this foreign company, to whom licences have been given, have no interest whatever except to exploit at our expense the unusual market which is now prevailing?
If we are going to get a standard of honesty, I would not like to be measured by the Deputy's standard.
A Deputy
It would look bad.
With regard to the exploration and development of the mineral resources of this country, we are anxious to have that done as fully as possible from within and, where we lack resources, as fully as possible from without.
What resources do we lack to explore for minerals in County Sligo?
Whatever resources we lacked for the 16 years when this company was in Irish ownership——
Is that intended to be an answer to my question?
——there was no development. In view of that set of circumstances, we have tried to have it developed.
Did not the Minister's Government cut down the grant of £80,000 to the mineral company for exploration purposes in their first year of office?
There is more mineral development going on at the moment than ever there was before in this country.
Is the Minister suggesting that this foreign company is interested in these minerals merely to explore their extent and to furnish information about them? Is it not well known that it has already acquired a mining undertaking in Sligo and that it is exporting crude, unworked ore and exploiting a temporary market situation to its advantage? Is it in our interest that it should be encouraged to expand these activities further?
The position is that a certain quantity of the ores from this mine has been exported for experimental purposes. If the experiment develops successfully and the division as between the metals can be carried out successfully, it will then be open to us to make one of three deals: to prevent export; to insist that the plant is sent over here and development or separation takes place over here; or that the ore goes over and that so much of the separated metal comes back. The Deputy may have a grievance when the decision is taken as between these three courses. At the present moment, we are investigating and experimenting with the position regarding the development of Irish mineral wealth.
Is it not a fact that this company is doing work precisely similar to that for which a State organisation, Mianrai Teoranta, is set up?
Mianrai Teoranta was never established for any other purpose than mining. The commercial side was excluded from their activities.
Major de Valera
Is there any condition attached to this licence?
The licence is only an exploratory one. The lease is another question and is a matter for the future.