Maamorilik

Maamorilik (old spelling: Mârmorilik or Maarmorilik, also Black Angel Mine) is a mining site in the Qaasuitsup municipality in northwestern Greenland. Holding resources of zinc, iron, lead, and silver,[1][2] the mine is 5 km (3.1 mi) long,[3] with its entry level situated 750 m (2,460 ft) above the sea level.[4]

Maamorilik
Location within Greenland

Geography

The mine is located approximately 24 km (15 mi) northeast of Ukkusissat in the Akuliarusikassak massif on the mainland of Greenland, on the southern shore of the Qaumarujuk Fjord, a tributary fjord of Perlerfiup Kangerlua, an inner branch of the Uummannaq Fjord.[5]

History

The first excavations in Maamorilik took place from 1938, possibly earlier, with operations continuing until 1945,[6] and again from 1973 to 25 July 1990[7] when the mine was closed. During seventeen years of operation, the mine yield of zinc ore amounted to 12 mln tonnes.[3]

Reactivation

In 2008[7] the government of Greenland decided to reinvigorate mining activities in Maamorilik, aiming to provide an economic lifeline to the communities of the Uummannaq region,[8] keeping the relatively new Qaarsut Airport open.[9] Proceeds from mineral resources exploitation will provide Greenland with a counterbalance to the lump-sum subsidies from Denmark.

The operations are carried out by Angel Mining plc, a UK-registered company.[3] As of April 2010, work continues on widening of the mine entrance to the required 300 m (980 ft).[4] The mine is due to reopen in 2013,[10] with zinc and iron ore reserves expected to last for 50 years.[11] Prospective employment is estimated at 110 people.[12]

Transport
Air Greenland provides charter supply flights to the mining site. Photographed during takeoff in Ukkusissat

Ukkusissat Heliport is the closest aerodrome to the mining site, approximately 24 km (15 mi) to the southwest. As in the 1970s,[13] supplies for the mine reconstruction are carried out via Air Greenland charter flights, now operated with the Bell 212 helicopter stationed in Uummannaq Heliport, 42 km (26 mi) away.[14]

Heavy transport including mining products was and will be transported by ship. A port exists at the fjord. An aerial tramway was used to connect to the mine at 750 m above the fjord.

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References
  1. Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum Archived 2010-07-27 at the Wayback Machine
  2. "Resources and Industry". Government of Greenland. Archived from the original on 23 February 2012. Retrieved 17 May 2010.
  3. Angel Mining plc
  4. "Maarmorilik udvides". Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa (in Danish). 27 April 2010. Retrieved 17 May 2010.
  5. Nuussuaq (Map) (1992 ed.). Tage Schjøtt, Denmark.
  6. GF Greenland 1991, pg 140 by Eric Wowern
  7. Greenland Employers Association
  8. "Future of lead mine uncertain". Sermitsiaq. Retrieved 17 May 2010.
  9. "Lufthavne bliver ikke lukket". Sermitsiaq (in Danish). 17 October 2007. Archived from the original on 5 July 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2010.
  10. "Significant Progress at Black Angel Zinc/Lead Mine". Angel Mining plc. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
  11. "Maarmorilik har zink og jern til 50 år". Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa (in Danish). 27 April 2010. Retrieved 17 May 2010.
  12. "Maarmorilik genåbnes i år". Sermitsiaq (in Danish). 11 January 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2010.
  13. "Grønlandsfly 1970-79" (in Danish). Air Greenland. Archived from the original on 28 May 2010. Retrieved 17 May 2010.
  14. "Black Angel News, the newsletter about the Black Angel Project in Greenland" (PDF). Angelmining plc. Retrieved 19 May 2010.
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