The recently opened Lisheen mine in southern Ireland does not contain a pot o’ gold, but there’s no shortage of zinc.
The world’s fifth-largest producer of zinc and lead is an equal joint venture between South African-based
Lisheen is expected to produce nearly 5 million dry tonnes of zinc and lead over a mine life of 14 years. At peak production, annual output is projected to be 300,000 tonnes of zinc and 40,000 tonnes of lead. The mine will employ 300 people at full production and generate exports of IR$100 million and add IR$35 million to the Irish economy. Ireland has other zinc mines already in production and is poised to become Europe’s largest producer of the metal.
The underground operation reflects Anglo American’s commitment to beef up its base metals production worldwide.
“Lisheen underlines both our commitment to Ireland, which dates back over 40 years, and our ambitious expansion plans in relation to base metals in general and zinc in particular,” says Julian Ogilvie, chairman of the South African major. “It is our ambition and intention to broaden our base metals portfolio to make Anglo American a major force.”
The new mine also marks a transition for Ivernia West, from an exploration company to a significant producer. The Irish company, which is listed on the Dublin Stock Exchange, discovered the mine in 1990; it was developed at a capital cost of US$280 million.
Lisheen is in the Rathdowney trend, within Tipperary County. It is only a few kilometres away from Arcon International’s Galmoy zinc-lead mine, and Ivernia Chairman Clayton Love believes the area could yield other significant deposits. Though officially opened in June, Lisheen produced its first ore in September 1999.
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