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]
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
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
- ↑ Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Angel Mining plc
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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- ↑ GF Greenland 1991, pg 140 by Eric Wowern
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Greenland Employers Association
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