Workers at Tara Mines in Co Meath were shocked last night to learn that the company is to temporarily lay-off 650 employees.
The government has rushed to put in supports as news emerged on Tuesday night.
Swedish parent company Boliden said it was halting production and exploration at the mine due to cash-flow problems. Factors included operational challenges, a decline in the price of zinc, high energy prices, and general cost inflation.
The closure, Boliden said, is “to safeguard the long-term future of the company, in response to significant and unsustainable financial losses that the business is currently experiencing”.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney TD said last night: “My Department will immediately send in State agencies to assist workers, especially apprentices who are in the middle of their training. Enterprise Ireland has told me it can have a team there on Wednesday.
“Meanwhile the Government will continue to engage with Irish management and the parent company to try reverse this closure.”
A dedicated team from the Department of Social Protection is being put in place to provide supports to the impacted workers and their families.
