Fergus O'Dowd, the Minister of State with responsibility for Natural Resources, has published a report by Indecon International Consultants assessing the value of Ireland's mining and mineral exploration sector.

In 2012, Ireland was Europe's largest producer of zinc metal in concentrate (32% of all European zinc mine output, inclusive of the Russian Federation) and the 10th largest producer in the world (2.5% of world output).

The report – "Assessment of Economic Contribution of Mineral Exploration and Mining in Ireland" – was commissioned by Minister O'Dowd to secure independent sectoral information to support minerals policy.

"This review is critical in evaluating the economic impact of the sector to the Irish economy in the here and now, with a view towards the maximisation of its contribution in the years ahead," said Minister O'Dowd.

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"Ireland needs strong, competitive industries that punch above their weight in the international arena. The Irish Mining industry, as a significant global player in terms of zinc and lead output, is clearly one of those."

The report provides an up-to-date overview of the Sector and the contribution of the Irish zinc and lead mining industry in global terms.

"The central conclusion of the report is that the economic value-added contribution of the mining and mineral exploration industry to the Irish economy is considerable and far reaching," said Minister O'Dowd.

Mining output in 2012, measured in sales turnover, was €426.1m. Taxes, royalties and other licence-related fees in 2012 approximated to over €65m.

The report estimated the "economy-wide expenditure impact" of the sector in 2012 at €809.7m and found that the activities of exploration and mining companies directly and indirectly supported more than 3,300 full-time, jobs in 2012.

The Minister stated that it is Government policy to support the search for, and responsible development of, further mineral resources so that these positive impacts can continue to be enjoyed in the future.

(CD/JP)