Page 113 - Navan News Today

There wasn’t a cloud in the sky as the sun beamed down on the fields beside Europe’s largest zinc mine on the edge of Navan. It was a dramatic contrast with the dark mood of its workers, who were leaving meetings with managers following a shocking late-night announcement.

Trade union SIPTU has written to Eamon Ryan seeking a meeting after 650 workers were told they would be temporarily laid off.

Owners Boliden say due to a combination of factors, the Tara mine in Ireland will be placed under care and maintenance. The decision means that production and exploration ceases temporarily at the mine.

Parent company Boliden cited operational challenges, a decline in the price of zinc and high energy prices for the move

It may have been the hottest day of the year yesterday, but the darkest of clouds loomed over Navan with the news that Tara Mines - one of the county's biggest employers was laying almost off its entire workforce.

Supports will be put in place immediately to assist Tara Mines

SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Adrian Kane, has said that workers at Tara mines are shocked and disappointed following the announcement by the company that it is to halt production and lay-off 650 employees in the coming weeks.

Stockholm-based Boliden Group acquired the mine, which is Europe's largest for zinc, back in 2004

The mine will be placed under care and maintenance.

The company responsible for the Co Meath mine’s operation said Tara would be placed under care and maintenance until further notice.