In 2024, Ireland was estimated to be the world’s eighth-ranked producer of alumina, accounting for 1.2% of global production. Other mineral commodities produced in the country included aggregates, cement, clay, gypsum, lead, lime, natural gas, peat, silver, and zinc. Mining and quarrying accounted for 0.2% of the country’s gross value added.
The main legislative framework for the mineral sector is provided by the Minerals Development Acts of 1940, 1979, 1995, 1999, and 2017; Petroleum and other Minerals Development Act of 1960; and Energy Act of 2006. Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment oversees mineral sector policies. The Minister of Climate, Energy and the Environment issues licenses for exploration and mining activities (with some exceptions), which in Ireland were carried out by privately owned companies.
