Firm boosted by Chilean mine rescue

A family-owned engineering firm in Shannon has reaped the dividend of designing and producing the drill that led to the survival of 33 Chilean miners two years ago.

New figures show pre-tax profits at the Shannon-based Mincon International Ltd almost doubled from €2.6m to €5m in the 12 months to the end of 2010.

The accounts for Mincon International Ltd just filed with the Companies Registration Office show the company, controlled by members of the Purcell family, awarded its shareholders a €6m dividend in 2010.