Tara Deep exploration could mean expansion of tailings pond

Plans by Boliden Tara Mines to extend tunnelling to facilitate exploration of the Tara Deep ore deposit has sparked concern among residents in proximity to the tailings pond, regarding a possible extension to the waste facility.

The mining company has recently been granted planning permission by Meath County Council to extend the underground exploration tunnel by three kilometres at a depth of approximately 1km within the townlands of Hanlonstown, Gainstown and Curraghtown,

Earlier this year the company indicated that the biggest mining exploration programme in Ireland would be continuing to assess the viability of the Tara Deep Ore body. The current inferred resource of Tara deep is 27 million tonnes.

While its commercial viability has yet to be proven, there are hopes that new orebody has the potential to extend the life of the mine for decades to come.

The company has stated there is enough capacity for the current mine, but if Tara Deep happens they will need a new tailings pond.

Meanwhile Boliden Tara Mines got news earlier this year that their mining licences are to be extended until 2045 in a major boost for for the 50-year-old lead and zinc mine.

Positive news about the future of the mine comes just two years after a very difficult period, during which mining operations were suspended and the mine went into care and maintenance mode from July 2023 until October 2024.

The return to work saw unions at the mine agreeing to between 150-170 redundancies.

Boliden Tara Mines is one of Europe's largest underground zinc and lead mine, and one of the top ten largest in the world.