asked the Minister for Energy if, arising from his comments at the Ireland Exploring the World Conference at a venue (details supplied) in Dublin 4 on Thursday 2 March 1989, he is prepared to prohibit by law mining and exploration companies from extracting precious metals by use of poisonous substances; if he will indicate the substances he refers to; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Mining Practices.
68.
While I would, of course, be concerned that the extraction of precious metals, in any mine development that may result from current prospecting activities, would be carried out with full regard to the environment, this aspect would be primarily a matter for the relevant local authorities. The environmental concerns of those authorities would have to be satisfied before planning permission might be granted. I have no doubt that both the mining interests and the planning authorities concerned will give most careful consideration to all aspects of the mining and processing operation for which application may be made, including the processes to be used in handling the ore.