Written answers
Thursday, 27 April 2023
Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Electric Vehicles
Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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89. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if current Government policy which sees large tracts of the State licensed for mining for rare elements and minerals in order primarily to facilitate the electrification of the private car fleet is sustainable or environmentally sound; if any reappraisal of the one million EV targets would result in a changed policy with regard to licensing mining operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19785/23]
Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The majority of exploration in Ireland is focused on zinc, which is utilised primarily for galvanising steel, as well as the manufacture of alloys for die casting and brass. Galvanised steel is used in wind turbines, in housing and construction and the bodies of cars, irrespective of the means of propulsion. The exploration for zinc, therefore, is not driven by the need to electrify the private car fleet.
The Government published a Policy Statement on Mineral Exploration and Mining on 7th December 2022, which sets out the key principles and priorities that will guide the regulation of these activities. Central to the policy is that minerals must be extracted in a socially and environmentally responsible manner, enforced by strong legislation. This is irrespective of the end use of the minerals.
While there are currently 408 prospecting licences in place, there are just 14 extant mining licences or leases in Ireland. Prospecting Licences only permit the undertaking of exploration activities, including geological mapping, geochemical sampling and ground geophysical surveys. These activities are temporary and involve minimal disturbance. No mining is permitted to take place under the Prospecting Licences.
It is therefore inaccurate to suggest that large tracts of land are licensed for mining.
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