Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
75. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the calls by the group of unions at a mine (details supplied) for a review of the annual royalties regime as it relates to production; if he is prepared to review and consider a temporary suspension or postponement as a means to support the early return to production at the mine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36009/23]
View answer76. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if as Minister with responsibility for minerals policy he will meet trade unions that represent the workers at a mine (details supplied) about the future of the mine and related matters; if his Department will engage with the unions and other relevant departments and agencies on the proposition of a taskforce to consider the future of the mine and with a focus on 'Tara Deep'; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36010/23]
View answer77. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of correspondence between an individual representing an important sectoral interest (details supplied) which raises important matters in relation to a company and his Department's function in respect of minerals policy; if his officials will engage more formally with the body on the issues laid out in correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36011/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 75 to 77, inclusive, together.
I understand that Boliden Tara Mines has, with Trades Union agreement, and to protect the long-term viability of its mine at Navan, made a commercial decision to suspend mining operations and enter a care and maintenance period at the mine. This has principally been due to increases in energy prices and current prices for zinc on international markets.
I am conscious of the impact this development will have on the mine's workers and those of other companies who supply services to the mine, their families and community. My Department continues to engage with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment which, I am informed, continues to engage with the company to discuss what assistance can be provided to introduce efficiencies and reduce costs, including energy costs, within State Aid parameters. This is with a view to reopening the mine as soon as it is financially viable to do so.
With regard to the potential for the deferral of mining royalties, if the company in question made a direct request for deferral, that would be dealt with in the first instance by the Geoscience Regulation Office, with any decision by me as Minister being made with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, in line with the relevant mining lease.
