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 in this way and brought to the surface.
Environmental Impact
Large amounts of dust are created when materials are brought to the surface, which are then carried by the wind. These dust particles can cause many health problems for people who breathe them in.
Question Time
1. Name the three types of mining. 2. Select one type of mining mentioned in Q1 and describe how it takes place. 3. Explain the environmental impacts of (a) quarrying, (b) drilling and (c) shaft mining. 4. Describe the economic impacts of (a) quarrying, (b) drilling and (c) shaft mining.
Social Impact
The landscape above the mines can be vulnerable to sinkholes if the mines below are not correctly managed. This can put people’s land or homes at risk.
Economic Impact
The Tara Lead and Zinc Mines in Co. Meath employs 580 people directly and many more indirectly. The company pays €38 million in taxes annually, which provides the government with revenue (money) to pay for services, such as healthcare and education.
Case Study: Galmoy Mines
The Galmoy zinc, lead and silver mines are located in north-west Co. Kilkenny, on the border of counties Laois and Tipperary. This is a rural area. The lands surrounding the mine site are mainly used for livestock grazing.
Errill Durrow LAOIS Templemore TIPPERARY 7. The location of Galmoy Mines