The icon to the right is a link to a mineral deposits map of Ireland in which you can zoom in and out to areas of interest.
Ireland’s diverse mineral deposits have long been established as valuable resources, with Irish mining dating back to the Bronze Age (c.2300-500 B.C.). The Irish metal mining industry flourished in the late 18th and 19th centuries due to the demands of the Industrial Revolution in Britain. During this period almost every county in Ireland had as least one metal mine. Carlow and Kilkenny had successful coal mining production. Cork and Wicklow had booming copper mining operations, while Galway and Tipperary benefited economically from lead and silver mining. During this historical mining period minerals being worked were mostly hosted in vein deposits. Modern technology has enabled us to discover and exploit hidden underground ore deposits. Today zinc, lead and gypsum are the backbone of the Irish mining industry. Ireland accounts for some 40% of European zinc production at present. We are also the largest producer of zinc concentrate and second largest producer of lead concentrate in Europe.
There are three underground zinc and lead mines in Ireland:
Ireland's other significant mine is the Knocknacran mine in Co.Monaghan, where gypsum is produced from both an open cast pit and from underground. There are a number of other State Mining Facilities throughout the country, where the following minerals are developed:
- Dolomite
- Fireclay
- Marble
- Coal
Gold (Cavanacaw) and salt (Kilroot) are also being mined in Ireland. The minerals industry in Northern Ireland is regulated by the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETINI).
For a more detailed insight into Irish deposits please see the departmental publication of ‘The top 55 deposits’.
Visit MineralsIreland.ie for more information about the Irish Mining Industry.