William Cotter
Question:48 Mr. Cotter asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline the causes of the decline in the mining industry in Ireland despite the high level of mineral discovery.
Written Answers. - Mining Industry.
The main reason for the decline in the mining industry from its peak in the 1970s was the exhaustion of most of the deposits which were then being mined. While new ore bodies were discovered many were not deemed to be economic. However, work is proceeding at a rapid pace in relation to our two major economic discoveries at Galmoy and Lisheen. Other mining activity is taking place at Tara, which is the largest zinc mine in Europe, gypsum is extracted at Knocknacran, barytes at Silvermines, slate at Killoran and fireclay is also extracted in the Castle-comer area.