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Prospecting Licences.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2004

Tuesday, 2 November 2004

Questions (219, 220)

Phil Hogan

Question:

286 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the present rate of royalty payments made in respect of all dolomite quarry and mine operations here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26933/04]

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Written answers

There are two mining leases under which the lessees are authorised to extract dolomite and dolomitic limestone. One is dated 2 December 1968 and the rate of royalty, which is not subject to review, is €0.0312 per tonne of minerals extracted. The other lease is dated 1 June 2004 and the rate of royalty per tonne of minerals, which is subject to review every four years, is €0.38. Any new lease for extraction of dolomite and dolomitic limestone will be subject to the current rate of royalty of €0.38 per tonne extracted and will be reviewed every four years in accordance with changes in the consumer price index.

Phil Hogan

Question:

287 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the type of laboratory or chemical tests that were carried out on the rock samples taken from the site of the proposed quarry extension lands at Dunbell, County Kilkenny by a company (details supplied) and presented to his Department as evidence of a viable dolomite mineral presence in the context of the new road developments at that location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26934/04]

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The rock samples collected from the site of the proposed quarry extension at Maddoxtown, Dunbell Big townland, were analysed at a recognised Irish laboratory. The rock samples were prepared for analysis by the laboratory and each was analysed for 46 elements, including calcium and magnesium. The calcium and magnesium content determines whether the rock is dolomitic. The samples were analysed using a modern spectroscopic analytical technique, ICP-AES — inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. This analytical method is accurate to 0.01%. It is accepted that best practice analytical procedures were followed, including repeat analysis of standards and analysis of blanks.

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