Unique 5 year research project on seabed minerals has started

MarMine is the first comprehensive research program in Norway with primary focus on the resource potential and technological aspects related to seabed minerals and mining. Nordic Ocean Resources AS (“NORA”) participates in the project together with 13 other industrial companies and research institutions.

MarMine is coordinated by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (“NTNU”) and has been granted approximately NOK 25 million from the Norwegian Research Council.

The MarMine project will focus on the following main areas/objectives:

• To conduct an exploratory and sampling cruise to selected areas of the Norwegian part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (“MAR”) to obtain geological, mineral, environmental and biological samples.
• To assess the grade and recovery potential of seafloor massive sulphide (“SMS”) ore subjected to conventional processing, reveal limitations of existing technology due to the submarine aspect, as well as investigate the potential for alternative processing solutions.
• To deliver a concept for mining and exploitation of the studied deposits based on the assessment of the rock mechanical properties of the ore and wall rocks.
• To assess process mineralogical properties of SMS deposits for use in the planning of mineral processing tests.
• To conduct an ecological baseline study and eco-toxicological tests to assess environmental impact of SMS mining to support guidelines and best available practices.

An exploration cruise is planned in Q3 2016 for a period of approximately 4 weeks. The cruise will explore for SMS deposits within selected areas on the MAR. The work will involve sampling using a remotely operated underwater vehicle.

“We are very enthusiastic about the broad participation from industrial companies in MarMine. It is a unique project which will lead us to new frontiers of knowledge,” comments Associate Professor Kurt Aasly, Project Manager for MarMine.

CEO Ivar S. Fossum comments: “We expect that MarMine will bring significant and valuable information about the future potential of seabed minerals in Norwegian waters. It will further provide base knowledge on how to develop this as a new business segment on a global basis.”

For questions please contact CEO Ivar S. Fossum, telephone + 47 930 96 850, or Project Manager Kurt Aasly, +47 934 43 511.


Oslo, 21 January 2016
Nordic Mining ASA



Nordic Mining ASA (www.nordicmining.com)

Nordic Mining ASA (“Nordic Mining” or “the Company”) is a resource company with focus on high-end industrial minerals and metals in Norway and internationally. The Company’s project portfolio is of high international standard and holds a significant economic potential. The Company’s assets are in the Nordic region.

Through the subsidiary Nordic Rutile AS Nordic Mining is undertaking a large-scale project development at Engebøfjellet in Sogn and Fjordane where the Company has rights and permits to a substantial eclogite deposit with rutile and garnet. Permits for the project were granted by the Norwegian government in April 2015. Nordic Mining has rights for exploration and production of high-purity quartz in Kvinnherad in Hordaland and develops the project through its subsidiary Nordic Quartz AS. Nordic Mining’s associated company Keliber Oy in Finland plans to start mining of lithium bearing spodumene and production of lithium carbonate. Nordic Mining holds exploration rights on the Øksfjord Peninsula in Troms and Finnmark, where the Company has discovered a prospective area of sulphide mineralisation. Through the subsidiary Nordic Ocean Resources AS, Nordic Mining is exploring opportunities related to seabed mineral resources.

Nordic Mining is listed on Oslo Axess.