Tara Mines may reopen in July

The board of directors at Tara Mines in Co Meath is to submit a proposal to the company’s owners which could see the mine reopening in July.

Tara, Europe’s largest zinc mine, closed last November following a sharp fall in worldwide zinc prices, forcing its 700 workers into temporary redundancy.

The board of directors has now said that a restructuring programme implemented in March has improved cost structures in Tara, thereby enhancing its competitiveness.

If the owners, Finnish firm Outokumpu, approve the reopening, all 700 workers are expected to be re-hired on a phased basis by the time the mine reaches full production.