Shaft mining is the process of drilling vertically into the earth to gain access to minerals beneath the surface. Coal, lead and zinc can be accessed this way and brought to the surface.
Environmental Impact
Underground mining allows companies to dig for coal, zinc and lead further into the ground.
Large quantities of rock and earth are then brought up from below the surface.
Large amounts of dust are also created and can then be carried by the wind.
These dust particles can cause many health problems for those who breathe them in.
Economic Impact
The Tara Lead and Zinc mines in County Meath supports 730 jobs directly and many more indirectly.
The company pays €38 million in taxes annually.
Ireland supplies 38% of Europe's zinc.
Ireland is eleventh in on the list of the world's zinc producers.
Tara Mine in County Meath is the largest zinc mine in the world.
