SIPTU has congratulated its members working in Tara Mines, County Meath, for their success in securing over €40 million in new investment in the mine, which will significantly extend its operation and safeguard the future of thousands of jobs. SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, said: “That the Board of Boliden, the company which operates Tara Mines, has decided to invest in a programme to extend its life is great news for the mine workers, their families and the local economy. “This great news is in no small part due to the achievements of the mine workers in reaching the facility’s 2016 production targets and their co-operation with management in implementing a successful Sustainability Agreement. The investment will ensure the mine’s operation until at least 2026, once necessary planning approvals have been secured.” He added: “Tara Mines directly employs over 550 workers with approximately 2,000 other jobs also dependent on its operation. This announcement is a great way for these workers to start 2017 and will also be widely welcomed in communities across north Meath and beyond who economically benefit from the mining operation.”