A total of 190 jobs are set to be created with the planned re-opening of Galmoy zinc and lead mine in counties Kilkenny and Laois.
This follows Shannon Resources Ltd lodging twin planning applications with both Laois and Kilkenny County Councils to re-start mining activities.
Planning documents lodged with the councils state that mining activities were ended ‘prematurely’ at Galmoy in 2014.
Mining at Galmoy commenced in 1997 and planning consultants for Shannon Resources Ltd, Tom Phillips & Associates state that “significant ore reserves remain underground”.
The planning application states that the re-opening will involve the creation of 100 construction jobs for a one year period and ninety jobs when operational.
The documents state that the mine will have a lifetime of seven to ten years once it re-commences operations.
The submission by Tom Phillips & Associates state that “an accessible mineral resource with existing associated infrastructure such as that at the Galmoy mine is rare. There is a recognised global shortage of minerals such as zinc”.
The consultants state the global storage of zinc is causing a knock on effect on the cost of much needed building materials.
Accounts previously filed by former operator, Galmoy Mines Ltd show that it generated revenues of €145m in 2006 and €122m in 2007.
The planning documentation states that mining will take place 24 hours a day six days a week with blasting not taking place on Sundays or Bank Holidays.
The mining firm intends to bulk sort the lead and zinc on site with industry accepted X-ray sorting technology before being shipped overseas for further processing.
The application site is 442 hectares and located 3.5km from the village of Galmoy in Co Kilkenny. The planning documents state that it is anticipated that 310,000 tonnes of ore will be mined per annum while 210,000 tonnes of sorted ore per annum will be exported from the site.
In a submission to Council. Director at Tom Phillips & Associates, Gavin Lawlor has stated that the proposal would not injure the amenities of the area and would not be prejudicial to public health.