Tara Mines located in Co. Meath may reopen in the second half of next year.

In a statement to journalists, Tara Mines general manager Gunnar Nyström said they hope to reach an agreement on re-opening by February despite a “very challenging” business environment.

“It is our intention to present a rescue plan in early January 2024, after which we intend to enter talks with the Group of Unions to discuss the proposals that are presented, and seek to reach an agreement with them,” Mr Nyström said.

“It is a very significant move for us to attempt to do this against the current external market backdrop, and the rescue plan must ensure an acceptable return on investment for shareholders, but the Boliden Group has agreed to support us in this objective.”

Labour Court

SIPTU Organiser John Regan said they are not happy with the time scale involved and will be returning to the Labour Court later this month.

“We have a date with the Labour Court which we had to refer in under what is known as a Section 20,” he said.

“It’s a binding decision on the Group of Unions… We will be confirming to them [the Boliden Group] in writing that we are continuing with the hearing on December 18th with the Labour Court.”

Workers at Tara Mines were temporarily laid off this summer because management concluded the company was no longer profitable due to low zinc prices and the high cost of energy.

Main image: An aerial view of Tara Mines, Navan, Co Meath, Ireland