Tara Mines in Navan will temporarily close today.
Five hundred and ninety workers will be laid off but 60 employees will stay on part-time to carry out care and maintenance work.
It’s after they voted to accept a deal over their terms and conditions during the temporary closure.
But the real number of those affected is closer to 1000 as Meath Live understands there are 350 contractors who rely on Tara for the bulk of their work.
Tara Mines’ owner Boliden says the decision was taken to safeguard the long-term future of the mine.
In a statement issued after the results of the ballot, the company says the management team will remain in dialogue with employees and stakeholders throughout this period.
Despite several meetings with unions and the government to try and keep the mine open it was not to be.
In the end the company made the decision for the long term viabilty of Tara Mines.
Tonight well over 500 of the employees and their families face a tough times,uncertain as to when the mine will be open. The reality too is Navan and the county has benefited and prospered economically and socially. This will not help the county and hopefully conditions will change sooner than later.
With the discovery of the lead and zinc orebody back in the late 60’s and going into production in the early 70’s. Many at the time thought the orebody would only last 15 to 20 years. However,up to this week they have kept mining and families have had decent livings up to now.
 Meath Live hope to report,when the time comes, the good news,when Boliden is up and running and all our back to work.
