On assignment from Nordic Mining, and in connection with the Engebø rutile project, NIVA (Norwegian institute for water research) has done toxicity testing of sediment and water samples. The test work is a continuation of the environmental impact assessment which has been executed as a part of Nordic Mining's proposal for development plan and application for waste disposal for the Engebø project.

 

The purpose of the test work is to investigate whether use of Magnafloc 155 as a flocculating agent could have harmful effects on marine organisms as a consequence of the planned disposal of tailings material in the Førdefjord. Magnafloc 155 is a chemical substance which is biodegradable, and Nordic Mining plans to use Magnafloc 155 to reclaim water in the production process and to avoid dispersion of fine particles in connection with disposal of tailings. The test work has been done according to international standard ISO 10253.

 

The toxicity tests show that the algae growth in sediment and water samples is not affected from use of Magnafloc 155. The tests did not show any toxic effect of the flocculating media at the chemical concentrations relevant for the Engebø project. 

 

 "The test work supports Nordic Mining's proposal for waste disposal at Engebø", says geologist Mona Schanche in Nordic Mining. "This is important because the use of a flocculant effectively secures sedimentation of fine particles and controlled disposal of the tailings. Nordic Mining emphasizes to develop the Engebø project in an environmentally sustainable manner. The toxic test work shows that the proposed solutions are well substantiated."

 

The report from NIVA will be published on Nordic Mining's web page (www.nordicmining.com).

 

For questions please contact geologist Mona Schanche, telephone + 47 - 22 94 77 04.

 

 

Oslo, 10 September 2009

Nordic Mining ASA