Swedish owner Bolinden had put the Tara underground zinc/lead mine in Ireland on care and maintenance in July 2023 due to low nickel prices and high local costs. On May 3, they announced that they had reached agreement with power suppliers and the unionized workforce for a new working arrangement which will reduce costs by about 30% and make the operation viable at present zinc prices of $2400/MT. The workforce will be reduced from 600 to 400 but should enhance the viability of Ireland’s biggest active mine. It had been operational since 1976.