Swedish mining company Boliden has announced its plan to restart operations at the Tara zinc mine in Ireland. The reopening comes after a year-long suspension caused by declining zinc prices and soaring energy costs, which pushed the mine into a care and maintenance mode.
A New Agreement for Improved Productivity
A renewed agreement with workers' unions and local management has paved the way for optimized mining practices, including reduced transportation distances and increased metal output. This new plan targets an initial annual production rate of 1.8 million tonnes. To achieve these goals, the agreement involves significant organizational restructuring, a reduction in the workforce, and streamlined work methods.
Past Challenges and the Road Ahead
The mine was shuttered last year due to the challenging market environment. However, Boliden is now confident that the updated strategy and cost-cutting measures will secure the Tara mine's long-term future. This resumption of operations, set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024, is expected to reinvigorate the local economy and strengthen Boliden's position in the global zinc market.
Significance of the Tara Zinc Mine
Located in County Meath, the Tara zinc mine is among Europe's largest zinc operations and a key contributor to Ireland's mining industry. Its reopening will provide essential employment opportunities and bolster the supply chain for zinc, a metal crucial for various industrial appl
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