Dáil Éireann - Volume 30 - 12 June, 1929

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Valentia Island Copper.

Mr. Aiken (for Tomás O Raghallaigh) Mr. Aiken (for Tomás O Raghallaigh)

1143

Mr. Aiken (for Tomás O Raghallaigh) asked the Minister for Industry [1143] and Commerce whether he will state if, to the knowledge of his Department, a copper mine had been ever worked in Valentia Island near Foilhamarrum Bay; and, if so, if he will state the period during which it had been worked and the percentage of copper found in the ore in this particular place.

Mr. McGilligan Mr. McGilligan

Mr. McGilligan: A Mineral Resources Memoir, published by the Geological Survey of Ireland in 1923, contains a reference to a copper-bearing lode on the south side of Valentia Island, east of Clynacartan Village, on Foilhamarrum Bay. It is there stated that the records show a production of 65 tons of ore containing 23⅜ per cent. copper, in 1861, and of 34¾ tons with 24⅛ per cent. copper content, in 1862. I have no further information on the subject.

It is presumed that this is the deposit referred to in the question. It should be borne in mind, however, that the figures I have given refer to the produce of the mine sold, and the copper content of the gross quantity of material raised may have differed from the percentages quoted.

Dáil Éireann 30 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Valentia Island Copper.

Questions

19290612