Maamorilik Explained

Maamorilik
Pushpin Map:Greenland
Subdivision Type:Municipality
State/Province:Avannaata
Country:Greenland
Products:Iron, Lead, Silver, Zinc

Maamorilik (old spelling: Mârmorilik or Maarmorilik, also Black Angel Mine) is a mining site in the Avannaata municipality in northwestern Greenland. Holding resources of zinc, iron, lead, and silver,[1] [2] the mine is 5km (03miles) long,[3] with its entry level situated 750m (2,460feet) above the sea level.[4]

Geography

The mine is located approximately 24km (15miles) 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 300m (1,000feet).[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

Ukkusissat Heliport is the closest aerodrome to the mining site, approximately 24km (15miles) 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, 42km (26miles) 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.

Notable People

Thue Christiansen, Greenlandic teacher, known for designing the flag of Greenland.

71.1264°N -51.2778°W

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://www.bmp.gl/minerals/mining_history.html Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum
  2. Web site: Resources and Industry . Government of Greenland . 17 May 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120223085319/http://uk.nanoq.gl/Emner/About/Resources_and_industry.aspx . 23 February 2012 .
  3. http://www.angelmining.com/black-angel Angel Mining plc
  4. News: Maarmorilik udvides . . Danish . 27 April 2010 . 17 May 2010.
  5. Tage Schjøtt, Denmark. Nuussuaq. 1992.
  6. GF Greenland 1991, pg 140 by Eric Wowern
  7. http://www.ga.gl/Nyheder/Nyhedsarkiv/Nyhedsarkiv2008/Februar2008/BlyogzinkmineniMaamorilikklartilatgenåbne/tabid/455/language/da-DK/Default.aspx Greenland Employers Association
  8. Web site: Future of lead mine uncertain . . 17 May 2010 .
  9. News: Lufthavne bliver ikke lukket . . 17 October 2007 . Danish . 17 May 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080705181750/http://sermitsiaq.gl/politik/article18567.ece . 5 July 2008 . dead .
  10. Web site: Significant Progress at Black Angel Zinc/Lead Mine . Angel Mining plc . 25 October 2012.
  11. Web site: Maarmorilik har zink og jern til 50 år . . Danish . 27 April 2010 . 17 May 2010.
  12. News: Maarmorilik genåbnes i år . . 11 January 2008 . Danish . 17 May 2010.
  13. Web site: Grønlandsfly 1970-79 . Danish . . 17 May 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100528050952/http://50.airgreenland.dk/70%27erne/ . 28 May 2010 . dead .
  14. Web site: Black Angel News, the newsletter about the Black Angel Project in Greenland . Angelmining plc . 19 May 2010.