The first lead and zinc will be mined at Ivernia West's Lisheen site by August of this year, the company has announced. It has already secured sales for more than 70 per cent of the minerals due to be mined in the first five years. The mine has a projected life span of about 20 years and 18 million tonnes of lead and zinc.

Speaking after the company released its interim report for the half year, managing director, Mr David Hough, said the company planned to acquire further mining licences in proximity to the Lisheen site.