Ireland's Mining Boom:

. Over the past 15 years, Ireland has experienced a meteoric rise to prominence in mining. A decade ago output of metallic minerals was virtually non‐existent. Today, metal concentrates from Irish mines are valued at $55 million annually, or 4 percent of total national exports. Metals have assumed fourth place among individual export categories. There is no single explanation for the mining boom. Rather, it must be attributed to several interrelated factors. Most notably, these include government tax relief incentives for economic development, recent advances in mining technology, the role played by Canadian exploration companies, and the impetus created by initial ore discoveries. Mining development has impacted significantly on the country, in terms both economic and social. It has bolstered the economy, provided valuable employment, spurred regional development and helped discourage emigration in rural areas. However, owing to a dramatic reversal of national mining policy in 1974, the industry's future is now in some question.