Boliden to hold information evenings for local community ‘to learn more about our operations’
Boliden Tara Mines is to host two ‘Community Information Evenings’ in October at Halla Bhaile Ghib (Gibbstown Community Centre) to help address concerns of local residents living in close proximity to the tailings pond.
In response to the Meath Chronicle story on the recent public meeting held in Gibbstown a statement from the mining company said the sessions an “opportunity for attendees to learn more about our operations, ask questions, share views, and discuss any concerns they may have.”
A spokesperson said: “Boliden Tara Mines has been part of the community for almost 50 years, and our ambition is to remain a part of the community for decades to come, continuing to bring strong employment and economic benefits to the area.
“Over this period, we have been fortunate to have strong support from the communities in which we operate, and we don’t take this support for granted. We aim to operate to the highest standard possible, including in how we manage our tailings facility.
“As part of this, it is important that people are aware how the facility is managed, inspected, and regulated.
“Tara Mines is part of the Boliden Group, a Swedish multinational metals company, which operates mines in a number of countries and is fully committed to meeting the very best standards for the management of tailings facilities. Boliden has committed to applying the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) across its operations including Tara Mines, aiming for the goal of zero harm from its mining waste and dam facilities. This is an international standard for the safe management of mine tailings facilities, covering their full lifecycle, from design and construction through operation, monitoring, closure and post-closure.
“Tara’s management of our tailings facility is also regulated by Irish legislation and overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Meath County Council.
“The facility is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Tara Mines operates a comprehensive Dam Safety Management System that includes continuous monitoring, regular inspections, independent technical reviews, emergency preparedness and regulatory oversight.
“We do not and would not compromise when it comes to the safety of our community, our employees and our neighbours. This is central to our ambition to be part of this community for decades to come.
“As part of our commitment to community engagement, we invite the community to join us at our Community Information Evenings on 13th and 15th October at Halla Bhaile Ghib (Gibbstown Community Centre), from 6-8pm on both evenings.
“These sessions are an opportunity for attendees to learn more about our operations, ask questions, share views, and discuss any concerns they may have. Our team will be there to listen, provide information, and answer the community’s questions.”