Mining tipped to grow by 40%

The Irish mining industry that achieved more than €420m in sales last year could grow by up to 40%, according to industry sources quoted in a government report.

The Indecon report, entitled ‘Assessment of Economic Contribution of Mineral Exploration and Mining in Ireland’, found that 14% of stakeholders believe the industry has the potential to expand significantly (15%-40%), while the majority were not as optimistic, believing the expansion will be in the region of 10%.

Minister of State with responsibility for natural resources, Fergus O’Dowd, said the report provides an up-to-date overview of the sector and the contribution of the Irish zinc and lead mining industry in global terms.