Mine licence to undergo reassessment after metal find

A Co. Tipperary mine is to have its pollution control licence reviewed after high levels of lead and zinc were found in two tributaries of the River Suir.

The Southern Regional Fisheries Board has asked for a review of the Integration Pollution Control (IPC) held by Lisheen Mines near Thurles.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it has received results from the mining company of analysis of river sediment. The rivers have 'unsatisfactory high levels of metals'. The agency is advising farmers and other local users of the river to reduce dangers.

The fisheries board is also taking precautions. The board is advising a prohibition on angling or the taking of fish by any means from a 2.5 kilometres stretch of the Drish River and a 2.2 kilometre stretch of the Rossestown River with immediate effect. It is advising that fish from these sections are not eaten.

The mining company stated, though, that water quality in the rivers and the local group water schemes was unaffected. Lisheen Mines employs 345 people at its Moyne operations and Cyril Boucher highlighted the positive side to the firm.
"Since we commenced operations, the mine has an outstanding record of compliance with all the terms of its IPC licence, and we operate an environmental centre where the public have free access to environmental information," he said.