Tara Mines operator says it takes 'environmental obligations extremely seriously'
BOLIDEN RESPONSE
Boliden Tara Mines takes it environmental obligations extremely seriously, according to a statement issued this week in response to queries from the Meath Chronicle.
This includes abiding by the Environmental Protection Agency and Governmental regulations that are in place.
“We also pride ourselves on going above and beyond the regulations and have voluntarily signed up to the standards set by the International Council on Mining and Metals.”
The company said it expected the existing tailings facility would have sufficient capacity for the current mine.
“We recognise that this is an issue of importance to the local community and have a longstanding engagement programme, which will continue.
“At present we are seeking to establish the commercial viability of the Tara Deep prospect. This is a key part of our efforts to build for the future, as we seek to bring Tara’s economic and employment benefits to the Navan area for new generations. If Tara Deep is brought on stream, a new tailings facility will be required, as for any new mine, and we will continue to engage in regular dialogue with the local community as appropriate,” the statement concluded.
'Water samples taken confirmed that contaminants had not entered the river'
EPA RESPONSE
A SPOKESPERSON said the EPA said the agency was notified by the licensee (Boliden Tara Mines) “of the failure of the tailings pipeline at the Knockumber mine site on 12th November as per the requirements of the Industrial Emissions Licence conditions.”
“Having received the incident report the Agency carried out an inspection at the site on the same day, 12th November 2025. The site visit confirmed a pipeline that carries tailings material failed at a pipe weld, causing tailings material to spill onto ground. The spill was contained within the mine site, with no discharge of the material occurring to any receiving water beyond the licensed site boundary. Water samples were taken from the storm water network at that time and analysis confirmed that contaminants had not entered the river.”
A spokesperson said a Compliance Investigation remains open regarding the operation and management of the tailings pipeline.
“The licensee has taken a number of actions in relation to the replacement and management of the pipeline and removal and sample analysis of all material removed from the spill area which was brought to the Tailings Management Facility for disposal.”
The statement concludes by pointing out that all records related to this incident and the site visit are available for public viewing on LEAP Online (https://leap.epa.ie/