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Lisheen Mine Near Thurles – Has A Viable Future

lisheen-mineRecent speculation that Lisheen Mines near Thurles could be forced to close down following a global decline in zinc prices, have been totally dispelled by their company spokesman this week.

Recent media reports claimed that the parent company Anglo American PLC were planning a wind-down plan for its large zinc mine located between Moyne and Templetuohy, in the townsland of Lisheen.

The mine, which employs over 300 workers, 70% of whom are recruited locally,was reported  to be losing money.  Rumours may have been fueled, when Anglo American PLC announced they had completed a wide ranging review of its capital expenditure programme last December and  reduced its 2009 capital expenditure by more than 50% to $4.5 billion. At this date in time the mining industry worldwide is experiencing an unprecedented period of rapid decline in commodity prices, all due to the present global economic uncertainty.

The Base Metals Division  of Anglo American plc, Anglo Base Metals has interests in 14 operations in seven countries across South America, southern Africa and Europe. The company produces nickel, zinc, copper,  phosphate and niobium, together with associated by-products including lead, molybdenum and silver. This division of Anglo American PLC has also several projects, across three continents, which have recently been commissioned, and are under construction. The corporate offices of Anglo Base Metals are located in London and Johannesburg, with regional offices in Santiago and São Paulo.

In September last year, Galmoy mine in Co Kilkenny, which is owned by the Canadian-based Lundin Mining Corporation, closed with the loss of 220 jobs.  The operating costs at Lisheen Mine are the lowest of the three Irish zinc mines.

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