In a display of community concern, protestors gathered outside Halla Bhaile Ghib in Gibbstown during Boliden Tara Mines’ recent consultation evenings regarding a proposed new tailings pond facility. The consultations, held on 13 and 15 October, aimed to inform residents about the company’s plans to submit a planning application for the facility by the end of the year. Approximately 100 local residents attended the meetings, where Boliden staff presented information about the new tailings facility necessary for the Tara Deep ore body, which could potentially extend the mine’s operational life for decades.
Local residents have voiced escalating concerns about the safety of the existing tailings pond and the implications of expanding it. Benny Sheridan, a member of the Save the Environment of Navan Townlands committee, expressed that community apprehensions have intensified over the past two decades, particularly regarding the increasing volumes of waste deposited in the tailings dam. He highlighted the findings of a dam safety review commissioned by Boliden in 2022, which has led residents to better understand the risks associated with living near the tailings pond. Sheridan’s group is advocating for the cessation of tailings deposits into the current facility, citing health hazards for both present and future generations.
Another resident, Ann Brady, dismissed the consultation evenings as a public relations exercise, arguing that the serious questions raised by the community were not adequately addressed. She expressed skepticism about the economic benefits of the Tara Deep exploration, questioning the actual returns to the local economy and emphasising the need for alternative waste management solutions. Brady’s concerns reflect a broader sentiment among residents who fear the long-term environmental impact of the proposed facility.
The Save the Environment of Navan Townlands committee recently held a meeting where Dr Steven Emerman, a geophysicist, raised alarms about the existing tailings pond, particularly following a significant incident last November when a pipeline breach released an estimated 250 to 300 tonnes of mine waste into the surrounding area. This incident, reported by the Environmental Protection Agency, involved a substantial spill of mine waste, prompting an emergency response and raising further safety concerns among local residents.
Boliden, however, maintains that the Tara Deep prospect is crucial for extending the mine’s operational life and providing economic benefits to the community. In a statement, the company expressed gratitude to attendees of the consultation evenings and reiterated its commitment to community safety and open communication. Boliden plans to consider community feedback as it prepares its application for the new tailings facility, aiming to address the concerns raised by residents while promoting the potential benefits of the Tara Deep project.
