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Theme Magazines and Fact Sheets
Download "Geology and Ore no. 5, December 2005" go05.pdf (~3 mb)
Exploration and Mining in Greenland
GEOLOGY AND ORE
No. 5 - December 2005
The Blyklippen lead-zinc
mine at Mesters Vig, East
Greenland
mine at Mesters Vig, East
Greenland
In 1948, galena-bearing quartz veins
were discovered on the west coast
of Mesters Vig by members of the
Danish Expeditions to East Greenland
(Lauge Koch Expeditions). This initial
discovery led ultimately to mining at
nearby Blyklippen, where a total of
545,000 tons of ore with 9.3% Pb and
9.9% Zn was produced between 1956
and 1962. Teams from Koch's expedi-
tions had been in the area in 1936-
1938 but acting on instructions from
Danish Prime Minister Th. Stauning,
finding of valuable metals was not
permitted because of the political
situation in Europe at that time.
were discovered on the west coast
of Mesters Vig by members of the
Danish Expeditions to East Greenland
(Lauge Koch Expeditions). This initial
discovery led ultimately to mining at
nearby Blyklippen, where a total of
545,000 tons of ore with 9.3% Pb and
9.9% Zn was produced between 1956
and 1962. Teams from Koch's expedi-
tions had been in the area in 1936-
1938 but acting on instructions from
Danish Prime Minister Th. Stauning,
finding of valuable metals was not
permitted because of the political
situation in Europe at that time.
Mesters Vig is a small branch of Kong
Oscar Fjord on the east coast of Green-
land at c. 72°10´N lat., 270 km north of
the nearest Greenlandic settlement
Illoqqortoormiut (Scoresbysund). It was
named after the chief engineer ('mester')
of a Swedish expedition, the first Euro-
peans to sail these waters in 1899. The
Mesters Vig area consists of up to 1100 m
high mountains intersected by valleys
partly covered by dwarf shrub heath. The
climate is arctic with an annual average
temperature of ÷10°C, snow cover for 9-
10 months and permafrost to a depth of
about 100 m, and with two month's polar
night. Due to extensive sea ice, the sum-
mer sailing period is restricted to 4-8
weeks with ice-strengthened ships.
Oscar Fjord on the east coast of Green-
land at c. 72°10´N lat., 270 km north of
the nearest Greenlandic settlement
Illoqqortoormiut (Scoresbysund). It was
named after the chief engineer ('mester')
of a Swedish expedition, the first Euro-
peans to sail these waters in 1899. The
Mesters Vig area consists of up to 1100 m
high mountains intersected by valleys
partly covered by dwarf shrub heath. The
climate is arctic with an annual average
temperature of ÷10°C, snow cover for 9-
10 months and permafrost to a depth of
about 100 m, and with two month's polar
night. Due to extensive sea ice, the sum-
mer sailing period is restricted to 4-8
weeks with ice-strengthened ships.
Geology
The Mesters Vig area is underlain by Car-
boniferous, Permian and Triassic sediments
intruded by Palaeogene dolerite sills and
dykes. Towards the south, the area is bor-
dered by the Palaeogene Werner Bjerge
alkaline complex, in the west, it is bor-
dered by a major regional fault beyond
which is the Caledonian fold belt.
boniferous, Permian and Triassic sediments
intruded by Palaeogene dolerite sills and
dykes. Towards the south, the area is bor-
dered by the Palaeogene Werner Bjerge
alkaline complex, in the west, it is bor-
dered by a major regional fault beyond
which is the Caledonian fold belt.
Most of the area is made up of continen-
tal syn-rift deposits of Late Carboniferous
to Early Permian age deposited in an N-S-
orientated system of west-tilted half
grabens. They form a 2-3 km thick unit of
tal syn-rift deposits of Late Carboniferous
to Early Permian age deposited in an N-S-
orientated system of west-tilted half
grabens. They form a 2-3 km thick unit of
alluvial and fluvial sediments dominated
by cross-bedded arkosic sandstones and
conglomerates, with subordinate intercala-
tions of lacustrine, calcareous and car-
bonaceous shales and mudstones with
plant and fish fossils. This sequence dips
about 20° towards the north and east and
it is unconformably overlain by 250 m of
Upper Permian marine sediments compris-
ing a basal conglomerate, marginal
marine evaporites and carbonates, bitumi-
nous shale and a variegated clastic unit.
Lower Triassic silty shales overlie the Upper
Permian sequence. The entire sedimentary
package is intruded by Palaeogene
dolerite sills up to 100 m thick, two sets
of dolerite dykes striking NNW and NNE,
and lamprophyric dykes.
by cross-bedded arkosic sandstones and
conglomerates, with subordinate intercala-
tions of lacustrine, calcareous and car-
bonaceous shales and mudstones with
plant and fish fossils. This sequence dips
about 20° towards the north and east and
it is unconformably overlain by 250 m of
Upper Permian marine sediments compris-
ing a basal conglomerate, marginal
marine evaporites and carbonates, bitumi-
nous shale and a variegated clastic unit.
Lower Triassic silty shales overlie the Upper
Permian sequence. The entire sedimentary
package is intruded by Palaeogene
dolerite sills up to 100 m thick, two sets
of dolerite dykes striking NNW and NNE,
and lamprophyric dykes.
A pre-Upper Permian, 15-20 km-long,
anticlinal fold structure occurs along
Mesters Vig and Deltadal. Faulting is wide-
spread with the so-called Mesters Vig
Graben as the most conspicuous structure.
This graben is 4 km wide and 12 km long
and bordered by normal faults orientated
anticlinal fold structure occurs along
Mesters Vig and Deltadal. Faulting is wide-
spread with the so-called Mesters Vig
Graben as the most conspicuous structure.
This graben is 4 km wide and 12 km long
and bordered by normal faults orientated
NNW-SSE. Another dominant fault orien-
tation is N-S. Upper Permian and Triassic
sediments preserved inside the graben are
down faulted c. 1000 m. It is evident that
faulting has taken place at different times
because displacement of the Upper
Permian sediments is greater than that of
the Palaeogene sills.
tation is N-S. Upper Permian and Triassic
sediments preserved inside the graben are
down faulted c. 1000 m. It is evident that
faulting has taken place at different times
because displacement of the Upper
Permian sediments is greater than that of
the Palaeogene sills.
The Mesters Vig Pb-Zn veins
Fault-controlled epithermal lead-zinc veins
are abundant over some 300 km
are abundant over some 300 km
2
in the
Mesters Vig area. Two major vein zones
are associated with the border faults of
the Mesters Vig Graben but other veins
occur outside the graben.
are associated with the border faults of
the Mesters Vig Graben but other veins
occur outside the graben.
The Sortebjerg-Blyklippen
vein zone forms
a discontinuous vein system 15 km long
along the western border fault of the
graben. At Sortebjerg, five outcrops occur
over a distance of 4 km, each being a sili-
cified, quartz-vein zone orientated
150°/80°E, 20-200 m long and up to 20
m wide. Galena and sphalerite occur as
a discontinuous vein system 15 km long
along the western border fault of the
graben. At Sortebjerg, five outcrops occur
over a distance of 4 km, each being a sili-
cified, quartz-vein zone orientated
150°/80°E, 20-200 m long and up to 20
m wide. Galena and sphalerite occur as
2
The Blyklippen lead-zinc mine
at Mesters Vig, East Greenland
at Mesters Vig, East Greenland
Aerial view of Blyklippen from the south-east, August 2001. The open pit and the site of the mining
camp are arrowed. Photo: GEUS.
camp are arrowed. Photo: GEUS.
3
irregularly distributed pods and lenses
which are generally concentrated along
the hanging wall. The largest lens consist-
ing of massive galena is 13 m long and
0.75 m wide. Based on a few diamond
drill holes along one of the outcrops, a
resource of 220,000 tons with 9.3% Zn,
2.1% Pb and 0.7% Cu has been indicated
over a length of 250 m. The Deltadal -
Rungsted Elv vein zone is a discontinuous,
8 km-long vein system along the eastern
border fault of the graben. It hosts
150°/80°W-orientated, strongly silicified
and quartz-veined zones up to 50 m wide
with lenses of massive galena up to 0.3 m
thick. Metal concentrations in mineralised
vein intervals, as indicated by 10 m chip
sample profiles, average about 4.2% Pb,
0.5% Zn and 0.3% Cu.
which are generally concentrated along
the hanging wall. The largest lens consist-
ing of massive galena is 13 m long and
0.75 m wide. Based on a few diamond
drill holes along one of the outcrops, a
resource of 220,000 tons with 9.3% Zn,
2.1% Pb and 0.7% Cu has been indicated
over a length of 250 m. The Deltadal -
Rungsted Elv vein zone is a discontinuous,
8 km-long vein system along the eastern
border fault of the graben. It hosts
150°/80°W-orientated, strongly silicified
and quartz-veined zones up to 50 m wide
with lenses of massive galena up to 0.3 m
thick. Metal concentrations in mineralised
vein intervals, as indicated by 10 m chip
sample profiles, average about 4.2% Pb,
0.5% Zn and 0.3% Cu.
Vein mineralogy is dominated by quartz,
baryte, galena and sphalerite, with minor
calcite, pyrite and chalcopyrite, and traces
of tetrahedrite. Sphalerite and galena
occur as massive, coarse-grained lenses up
to m-size but the minerals are rarely found
together. Sphalerite and quartz often dis-
play rhythmic growth. The Pb/Ag ratio
varies from 2,000 to 10,000 and there is a
tendency for the ratio to decrease with
increasing copper content. In some of the
veins, there are indications of a vertical
zonation involving upwards enrichments
from quartz to baryte and from copper
baryte, galena and sphalerite, with minor
calcite, pyrite and chalcopyrite, and traces
of tetrahedrite. Sphalerite and galena
occur as massive, coarse-grained lenses up
to m-size but the minerals are rarely found
together. Sphalerite and quartz often dis-
play rhythmic growth. The Pb/Ag ratio
varies from 2,000 to 10,000 and there is a
tendency for the ratio to decrease with
increasing copper content. In some of the
veins, there are indications of a vertical
zonation involving upwards enrichments
from quartz to baryte and from copper
through zinc to lead, but no regional
zonational pattern is evident. Wall-rock
alteration of the Permo-Carboniferous
sandstones comprises silicification and
kaolinisation. Where the veins intersect
Upper Permian sediments, extensive bary-
tisation and silicification of the lowermost
limestone unit may occur. In Oksedal
south of Mesters Vig, the lower 5-9 m of
the limestone sequence along a quartz
vein is replaced by alternating mm-thick
zonational pattern is evident. Wall-rock
alteration of the Permo-Carboniferous
sandstones comprises silicification and
kaolinisation. Where the veins intersect
Upper Permian sediments, extensive bary-
tisation and silicification of the lowermost
limestone unit may occur. In Oksedal
south of Mesters Vig, the lower 5-9 m of
the limestone sequence along a quartz
vein is replaced by alternating mm-thick
layers of grey and white baryte ('zebra-
baryte') over a distance of up to 150 m
from the vein. A resource of some
330,000 tons with 95% baryte has been
indicated in a near-surface part of this
area by a few drill holes.
baryte') over a distance of up to 150 m
from the vein. A resource of some
330,000 tons with 95% baryte has been
indicated in a near-surface part of this
area by a few drill holes.
The paragenetic sequence for the Mesters
Vig veins has three phases. The initial and
main mineralising phase comprises quartz
Vig veins has three phases. The initial and
main mineralising phase comprises quartz
THE BLYKLIPPEN LEAD-ZINC MINE AT MESTERSVIG, EAST GREENLAND
3D map of the Mesters Vig area showing the
Blyklippen - Nyhavn road (white) and the runway
(black). Hyperspectral airborne data draped on a digi-
tal terrain model. Vertical exaggeration x 2.
Blyklippen - Nyhavn road (white) and the runway
(black). Hyperspectral airborne data draped on a digi-
tal terrain model. Vertical exaggeration x 2.
"Gustav Holm", Lauge Koch Expedition's ship, on its way to Mesters Vig 1949. Photo: Fin Kløve
Lassen, 'Blyminen i Mesters Vig', published by Atuagkat, 2005.
Lassen, 'Blyminen i Mesters Vig', published by Atuagkat, 2005.
Nyhavn
Mesters V
ig
Kong Oscar Fjord
Mestersvig
airfield
Blyklippen
N
veining with major concentrations of
sphalerite and galena, after which shear-
ing and brecciation took place. The sec-
ond phase embraces silicification and
quartz cementing of the breccias and for-
mation of baryte-bearing quartz veinlets,
with minor amounts of sphalerite and
galena, which intersect the main minerali-
sation. Finally, calcite veinlets were
formed. The age of all mineralisation is
assumed to be Palaeogene with the
mineralising phases correlated with the
intrusion of the Werner Bjerge alkaline
complex. However, it should be noted that
quartz veins have not been observed in
rocks younger than Upper Permian and a
Late Permian age for especially the early
phase of mineralisation cannot be ex-
cluded.
sphalerite and galena, after which shear-
ing and brecciation took place. The sec-
ond phase embraces silicification and
quartz cementing of the breccias and for-
mation of baryte-bearing quartz veinlets,
with minor amounts of sphalerite and
galena, which intersect the main minerali-
sation. Finally, calcite veinlets were
formed. The age of all mineralisation is
assumed to be Palaeogene with the
mineralising phases correlated with the
intrusion of the Werner Bjerge alkaline
complex. However, it should be noted that
quartz veins have not been observed in
rocks younger than Upper Permian and a
Late Permian age for especially the early
phase of mineralisation cannot be ex-
cluded.
Blyklippen Pb-Zn deposit
The Blyklippen lead-zinc deposit ('The
Lead Rock') that is now exhausted, is part
of the Sortebjerg-Blyklippen vein zone. It
is the only deposit in East Greenland that
has been mined. The original deposit
formed a sulphide lens at 300 m to 490 m
a.s.l. within a major quartz-vein zone ori-
entated 150°/40°-90°E and developed
Lead Rock') that is now exhausted, is part
of the Sortebjerg-Blyklippen vein zone. It
is the only deposit in East Greenland that
has been mined. The original deposit
formed a sulphide lens at 300 m to 490 m
a.s.l. within a major quartz-vein zone ori-
entated 150°/40°-90°E and developed
along a normal fault in Permo-Carboni-
ferous sandstones. The 1000 m long zone
is cut at the northern end by a transverse
fault (040°/50° SE) and it gradually disap-
ferous sandstones. The 1000 m long zone
is cut at the northern end by a transverse
fault (040°/50° SE) and it gradually disap-
pears to the south. Due to pinch and
swell, its thickness varies from a few
metres up to 50 m. The quartz-vein zone
is sharply delineated to the east (along the
hanging wall) by the fault. The western
limit (the footwall) is less sharp, being a
transitional zone with decreasing intensity
of quartz veining and kaolinisation. Small-
scale, late-stage, west-dipping faults inter-
sect and brecciate the main quartz-vein
zone. The main sulphide lens occurred
close to the footwall of the zone within a
swell structure at the northern end of the
vein. There is no correlation between
thickness of the quartz-vein zone and the
sulphide lens.
swell, its thickness varies from a few
metres up to 50 m. The quartz-vein zone
is sharply delineated to the east (along the
hanging wall) by the fault. The western
limit (the footwall) is less sharp, being a
transitional zone with decreasing intensity
of quartz veining and kaolinisation. Small-
scale, late-stage, west-dipping faults inter-
sect and brecciate the main quartz-vein
zone. The main sulphide lens occurred
close to the footwall of the zone within a
swell structure at the northern end of the
vein. There is no correlation between
thickness of the quartz-vein zone and the
sulphide lens.
The mined-out sulphide lens was 2-10 m
thick, 300 m long and 160 m high. It con-
sisted of 65% quartz, 15% sphalerite,
10% galena, 5-10% baryte with trace
amounts of pyrite, chalcopyrite and tetra-
hedrite. Copper and silver contents were
120 ppm and 15 ppm, respectively. Across
the lens galena- and sphalerite-enriched
sections alternated. In general, sphalerite
was enriched in the lower and the north-
ern part of the lens whereas galena was
enriched near the surface and in the
southern part. The 040° transverse fault
delimiting the sulphide lens to the north,
hosts sheared and mylonitised ore lenses
in the fault plane. The age of the faulting
thick, 300 m long and 160 m high. It con-
sisted of 65% quartz, 15% sphalerite,
10% galena, 5-10% baryte with trace
amounts of pyrite, chalcopyrite and tetra-
hedrite. Copper and silver contents were
120 ppm and 15 ppm, respectively. Across
the lens galena- and sphalerite-enriched
sections alternated. In general, sphalerite
was enriched in the lower and the north-
ern part of the lens whereas galena was
enriched near the surface and in the
southern part. The 040° transverse fault
delimiting the sulphide lens to the north,
hosts sheared and mylonitised ore lenses
in the fault plane. The age of the faulting
4
THE BLYKLIPPEN LEAD-ZINC MINE AT MESTERSVIG, EAST GREENLAND
Icelandic ponies used for transportation at Mesters Vig in 1949. Photo: Fin Kløve Lassen,
'Blyminen i Mesters Vig', published by Atuagkat, 2005.
'Blyminen i Mesters Vig', published by Atuagkat, 2005.
Typical Mesters Vig vein with brown spha-
lerite and white quartz in Permo-Carboni-
ferous sandstone, Sortebjerg. Photo: GEUS.
lerite and white quartz in Permo-Carboni-
ferous sandstone, Sortebjerg. Photo: GEUS.
5
relative to the ore has been a matter of
debate: either the transverse fault is pre-
ore and thus the channel for the minera-
lising solutions, or it post-dates ore forma-
tion thus indicating the existence of a
blind, transposed part of the ore body.
debate: either the transverse fault is pre-
ore and thus the channel for the minera-
lising solutions, or it post-dates ore forma-
tion thus indicating the existence of a
blind, transposed part of the ore body.
Nordisk Mineselskab A/S
The initial lead discovery in 1948 stimulat-
ed investigations in 1949 that led to the
finding of most of the lead-zinc-bearing
veins presently known, including the two
most important occurrences, Blyklippen
and Sortebjerg. Detailed mapping and
deposit investigations were undertaken at
Blyklippen by the Lauge Koch Expeditions
in summers 1950 and 1951. In 1952, a
new company, Nordisk Mineselskab A/S
(Northern Mining Company Ltd. or 'Nord-
mine'), was established to continue inves-
tigations and to mine the Blyklippen depo-
sit. The share capital was 15 million DKK,
the owners being the Danish State
(27
ed investigations in 1949 that led to the
finding of most of the lead-zinc-bearing
veins presently known, including the two
most important occurrences, Blyklippen
and Sortebjerg. Detailed mapping and
deposit investigations were undertaken at
Blyklippen by the Lauge Koch Expeditions
in summers 1950 and 1951. In 1952, a
new company, Nordisk Mineselskab A/S
(Northern Mining Company Ltd. or 'Nord-
mine'), was established to continue inves-
tigations and to mine the Blyklippen depo-
sit. The share capital was 15 million DKK,
the owners being the Danish State
(27
1
2
%), private Danish enterprises
(27
1
2
%), two Swedish companies Boliden
Mining Co. (15%) and Store Kobberbergs
AB (15%) and Ventures Ltd. of Canada
(15%). As no mining law existed for
Greenland at that time, the company was
granted the rights by a special law for
AB (15%) and Ventures Ltd. of Canada
(15%). As no mining law existed for
Greenland at that time, the company was
granted the rights by a special law for
mineral exploration and mining for 50
years in a c. 100,000 km
years in a c. 100,000 km
2
concession area
in East Greenland between 70° and
74
74
1
2
°N lat.
The company conducted year round inves-
tigations between 1952 and 1954 from a
new camp connected to the Nyhavn har-
bour site by a 12 km road, and serviced
by a new airport with a 1,800 x 45 m
gravel runway. This airport facility was
tigations between 1952 and 1954 from a
new camp connected to the Nyhavn har-
bour site by a 12 km road, and serviced
by a new airport with a 1,800 x 45 m
gravel runway. This airport facility was
built and maintained by the Danish State.
The deposit was investigated by driving
three adits at the 455, 415 and 335 m
levels, totalling about 2,500 m, accompa-
nied by surface and underground dia-
mond drilling of 110 holes, totalling c.
5,000 m. Total cost for the investigations
was about 29 million DKK. Subsequent
calculations showed a resource of
560,000 tons mineable ore with 11.1%
Pb and 8.6% Zn. This tonnage was
The deposit was investigated by driving
three adits at the 455, 415 and 335 m
levels, totalling about 2,500 m, accompa-
nied by surface and underground dia-
mond drilling of 110 holes, totalling c.
5,000 m. Total cost for the investigations
was about 29 million DKK. Subsequent
calculations showed a resource of
560,000 tons mineable ore with 11.1%
Pb and 8.6% Zn. This tonnage was
THE BLYKLIPPEN LEAD-ZINC MINE AT MESTERSVIG, EAST GREENLAND
Simplified geological map of the Mesters Vig area showing the distribution of hydrothermal
veins. Modified from Witzig (1954).
veins. Modified from Witzig (1954).
Typical lead and zinc ores from Blyklippen:
Top: Grey galena and white quartz. Bottom:
Brown sphalerite and white quartz. Sample
length: 15 cm. Photo: GEUS.
Top: Grey galena and white quartz. Bottom:
Brown sphalerite and white quartz. Sample
length: 15 cm. Photo: GEUS.
regarded as insufficient for commercial
exploitation but the Danish State stepped
in with financial support (a loan and a
bank guarantee), after which it was decid-
exploitation but the Danish State stepped
in with financial support (a loan and a
bank guarantee), after which it was decid-
ed to proceed with mining and at the
same time continue mineral exploration in
the hope of finding additional ore.
Preparations for mining, including the
same time continue mineral exploration in
the hope of finding additional ore.
Preparations for mining, including the
building of a mill and a shallow water pier
at Nyhavn, were carried out between
1954 and 1956, and production started in
March 1956. The deposit was exhausted
in March 1962. The financial statement
after six years of mining showed a total
income of 107 million DKK and expendi-
tures of 99 million DKK with 6.5 million
DKK used for exploration but with no divi-
dends for the shareholders.
at Nyhavn, were carried out between
1954 and 1956, and production started in
March 1956. The deposit was exhausted
in March 1962. The financial statement
after six years of mining showed a total
income of 107 million DKK and expendi-
tures of 99 million DKK with 6.5 million
DKK used for exploration but with no divi-
dends for the shareholders.
Mining and ore treatment
The mining of the Blyklippen deposit was
a pioneer enterprise in a remote, harsh
area lacking infrastructure. Due to the
severe climate, it was decided to place the
mill with all processing facilities (crushing,
grinding, flotation, thickeners, filters, dry-
ing furnaces), as well as the diesel power
plant and air compressors, underground in
chambers excavated in the sandstone
below the ore body, and below the per-
mafrost. The latter reached a depth of
120 m. The mill was designed for a daily
production of 350 tons ore corresponding
to an annual production (10 month) of
about 90,000 tons.
a pioneer enterprise in a remote, harsh
area lacking infrastructure. Due to the
severe climate, it was decided to place the
mill with all processing facilities (crushing,
grinding, flotation, thickeners, filters, dry-
ing furnaces), as well as the diesel power
plant and air compressors, underground in
chambers excavated in the sandstone
below the ore body, and below the per-
mafrost. The latter reached a depth of
120 m. The mill was designed for a daily
production of 350 tons ore corresponding
to an annual production (10 month) of
about 90,000 tons.
Mining took place from the three adits at
the 335, 415 and 455 m levels by the cut-
and-fill method: the width of the stopes
being the same as the vein width. The fill-
ing material was taken from surface scree
in summertime and from the hanging
wall. The uppermost part of the ore was
the 335, 415 and 455 m levels by the cut-
and-fill method: the width of the stopes
being the same as the vein width. The fill-
ing material was taken from surface scree
in summertime and from the hanging
wall. The uppermost part of the ore was
6
THE BLYKLIPPEN LEAD-ZINC MINE AT MESTERSVIG, EAST GREENLAND
Map of Blyklippen showing quartz vein out-
crops, underground workings and mining
camp.
crops, underground workings and mining
camp.
Improvised housing built of beer boxes at
Nyhavn. Photo: Niels Pugholm, 'Blyminen i
Mesters Vig', published by Atuagkat, 2005.
Nyhavn. Photo: Niels Pugholm, 'Blyminen i
Mesters Vig', published by Atuagkat, 2005.
7
THE BLYKLIPPEN LEAD-ZINC MINE AT MESTERSVIG, EAST GREENLAND
mined in open pit during the summer. As
rock temperatures were below zero in
much of the mine, it was necessary to use
pre-heated water for drilling. The broken
ore in the cut-and-fill stopes was scraped
with 45-inch scrapers to the ore passes
and then hauled on the main level, 415
m, in Granby dump cars to an under-
ground crushing plant. This consisted of a
jaw crusher and a cone crusher which
reduced the ore to <25 mm. the crushed
ore was stored in an ore pass raise with a
24-hour mill capacity. From here, it was
led to a conventional type flotation plant
installed in a 65 m-long and 7 m-wide
room inclined 18° for gravity flow with
two mills for grinding highest up. Eleven
double cells were used for both lead and
zinc flotation, the recovery being 95% for
lead and 92% for zinc. The tailings with
0.15% Pb and 0.75% Zn were discharged
to the surface where they ended up in the
local stream bed. Water was pumped
from a local stream and during winter
water shortage could be a problem. The
concentrates were pumped on tOFiltering
and drying furnaces, heated by the
rock temperatures were below zero in
much of the mine, it was necessary to use
pre-heated water for drilling. The broken
ore in the cut-and-fill stopes was scraped
with 45-inch scrapers to the ore passes
and then hauled on the main level, 415
m, in Granby dump cars to an under-
ground crushing plant. This consisted of a
jaw crusher and a cone crusher which
reduced the ore to <25 mm. the crushed
ore was stored in an ore pass raise with a
24-hour mill capacity. From here, it was
led to a conventional type flotation plant
installed in a 65 m-long and 7 m-wide
room inclined 18° for gravity flow with
two mills for grinding highest up. Eleven
double cells were used for both lead and
zinc flotation, the recovery being 95% for
lead and 92% for zinc. The tailings with
0.15% Pb and 0.75% Zn were discharged
to the surface where they ended up in the
local stream bed. Water was pumped
from a local stream and during winter
water shortage could be a problem. The
concentrates were pumped on tOFiltering
and drying furnaces, heated by the
exhaust gases from the diesel engines.
The diesel power plant with four 350 kw
generators was installed in a 60 m-long
rock hall. At first, the concentrate was
packed in 60 kg canvas sacks, later it was
compressed into large blocks containing
The diesel power plant with four 350 kw
generators was installed in a 60 m-long
rock hall. At first, the concentrate was
packed in 60 kg canvas sacks, later it was
compressed into large blocks containing
4 tons Pb-concentrate or 2.5 tons Zn-con-
centrate each. The concentrate was then
trucked to the pier at Nyhavn and stored
in open air on pallets, to await transport
on barges to ships in the sailing period.
centrate each. The concentrate was then
trucked to the pier at Nyhavn and stored
in open air on pallets, to await transport
on barges to ships in the sailing period.
Longitudinal section of the Blyklippen ore body. Modified from Harpøth et al. (1986).
Miners ready to go underground. Photo: Jørgen Christensen, 'Blyminen i Mesters Vig', published by Atuagkat, 2005.
The Blyklippen camp
The mining camp (Minebyen) comprised
22 wooden buildings including accommo-
dation and administrative barracks, work-
shops, warehouses, as well as a hospital,
chemical laboratory and a canteen. Most
buildings were erected on poles to avoid
damage from permafrost that during sur-
face thawing in summer has the potential
to crack foundations. The site also hosted
oil tanks and a short airstrip for the com-
pany's STOL aeroplane that was used for
local transportation. The mine operated
10 months a year, February to November,
with a staff of about 90 persons, mainly
Danes and Swedes. Twice as many were
employed in the summer months. There
was no mining in the two months of polar
night, December and January, and this
22 wooden buildings including accommo-
dation and administrative barracks, work-
shops, warehouses, as well as a hospital,
chemical laboratory and a canteen. Most
buildings were erected on poles to avoid
damage from permafrost that during sur-
face thawing in summer has the potential
to crack foundations. The site also hosted
oil tanks and a short airstrip for the com-
pany's STOL aeroplane that was used for
local transportation. The mine operated
10 months a year, February to November,
with a staff of about 90 persons, mainly
Danes and Swedes. Twice as many were
employed in the summer months. There
was no mining in the two months of polar
night, December and January, and this
period was used for holidays and repairs.
Access for personnel mainly on 10 month
contracts was by aeroplane between
Mestersvig airfield and Reykjavik, Iceland,
the nearest international airport. Supplies
had to be shipped in and concentrate
shipped out during the 4-8-week ice-free
period in August and September.
Access for personnel mainly on 10 month
contracts was by aeroplane between
Mestersvig airfield and Reykjavik, Iceland,
the nearest international airport. Supplies
had to be shipped in and concentrate
shipped out during the 4-8-week ice-free
period in August and September.
After mine closure, the diesel generators
were removed from their underground
chamber but the remaining plant was left
within the mountain. In 1974, the best
preserved barracks of the mining camp
were transferred to a new exploration
base camp at Nyhavn and in 1983, all but
two of the remaining buildings were
burned as part of a cleaning up agree-
ment with Greenlandic/Danish authorities.
were removed from their underground
chamber but the remaining plant was left
within the mountain. In 1974, the best
preserved barracks of the mining camp
were transferred to a new exploration
base camp at Nyhavn and in 1983, all but
two of the remaining buildings were
burned as part of a cleaning up agree-
ment with Greenlandic/Danish authorities.
Ongoing exploration
Simultaneously with the investigations and
mining at Blyklippen, summer exploration
was performed in Nordisk Mineselskab's
concession area. After 1958, the work
concentrated on a major molybdenum
occurrence at Malmbjerg, some 25 km
south of Blyklippen, and up to 1962 com-
prehensive investigations in various joint
ventures included 1329 m drifting and c
22,000 m diamond drilling. However, fea-
sibility studies showed that the indicated
resource of 119 million tons with 0.25%
MoS
mining at Blyklippen, summer exploration
was performed in Nordisk Mineselskab's
concession area. After 1958, the work
concentrated on a major molybdenum
occurrence at Malmbjerg, some 25 km
south of Blyklippen, and up to 1962 com-
prehensive investigations in various joint
ventures included 1329 m drifting and c
22,000 m diamond drilling. However, fea-
sibility studies showed that the indicated
resource of 119 million tons with 0.25%
MoS
2
was not profitable given the molyb-
denum price of the time, and it was
decided to resume the regional mineral
exploration while waiting for a better
molybdenum market price. Mineral explo-
ration was carried out in the period 1968-
1984 and a large and diversified number
of new mineral occurrences were found
and investigated. However, the company
decided to resume the regional mineral
exploration while waiting for a better
molybdenum market price. Mineral explo-
ration was carried out in the period 1968-
1984 and a large and diversified number
of new mineral occurrences were found
and investigated. However, the company
8
THE BLYKLIPPEN LEAD-ZINC MINE AT MESTERSVIG, EAST GREENLAND
Lead and zinc concentrate at Nyhavn ready for shipment. Photo: Fin Kløve Lassen, 'Blyminen i
Mesters Vig', published by Atuagkat, 2005.
Mesters Vig', published by Atuagkat, 2005.
9
THE BLYKLIPPEN LEAD-ZINC MINE AT MESTERSVIG, EAST GREENLAND
did not succeed in bringing any into pro-
duction. In 1984, mineral exploration was
abandoned and effort was concentrated
in a joint venture exploring for oil in
Jameson Land to the south. This ceased in
1990 without tangible results and in the
following year the company was liquida-
ted.
duction. In 1984, mineral exploration was
abandoned and effort was concentrated
in a joint venture exploring for oil in
Jameson Land to the south. This ceased in
1990 without tangible results and in the
following year the company was liquida-
ted.
Pollution and environmental
monitoring
monitoring
At the time the Blyklippen deposit was
mined, environmental issues were not of
particularly high priority. The first compre-
hensive environmental studies were initiat-
ed in 1979 and high levels of lead, zinc
and cadmium were documented in water
and sediments of the local stream,
Tunnelelv. It was also shown that beach
sand, seaweed and sculpins from Kong
Oscar Fjord were affected by pollution
from the former mine. Later investigations
(1996) have shown a marked decrease in
the marine pollution. The main sources of
mined, environmental issues were not of
particularly high priority. The first compre-
hensive environmental studies were initiat-
ed in 1979 and high levels of lead, zinc
and cadmium were documented in water
and sediments of the local stream,
Tunnelelv. It was also shown that beach
sand, seaweed and sculpins from Kong
Oscar Fjord were affected by pollution
from the former mine. Later investigations
(1996) have shown a marked decrease in
the marine pollution. The main sources of
the pollution are the tailings in the
streambed at the foot of Blyklippen, and
the Nyhavn harbour area. In 1979, 85%
of the original c . 411,000 tons tailings
had been washed out into Tunnelelv. The
distribution of zinc along the stream was
clearly demonstrated by a pollution moni-
toring project in 2000-2001 using air-
streambed at the foot of Blyklippen, and
the Nyhavn harbour area. In 1979, 85%
of the original c . 411,000 tons tailings
had been washed out into Tunnelelv. The
distribution of zinc along the stream was
clearly demonstrated by a pollution moni-
toring project in 2000-2001 using air-
borne hyperspectral data. In Nyhavn,
spilling had occurred when the concen-
trate sacks were loaded on barges for
transport to ships, and on several occa-
sions whole barge loads of canvas sacks
with concentrate were dropped acciden-
tally into the sea.
spilling had occurred when the concen-
trate sacks were loaded on barges for
transport to ships, and on several occa-
sions whole barge loads of canvas sacks
with concentrate were dropped acciden-
tally into the sea.
The flotation plant located underground in a 67 x 7 m chamber. Lead
and zinc cells are on opposing sides with eleven cells in each circuit.
Photo: Bent Sørensen, 'Blyminen i Mesters Vig', published by
Atuagkat, 2005.
and zinc cells are on opposing sides with eleven cells in each circuit.
Photo: Bent Sørensen, 'Blyminen i Mesters Vig', published by
Atuagkat, 2005.
Diesel power plant installed in a 60 m-long rock hall. Photo: Bent
Sørensen, 'Blyminen i Mesters Vig', published by Atuagkat, 2005.
Sørensen, 'Blyminen i Mesters Vig', published by Atuagkat, 2005.
Schematic section through Blyklippen showing the processing plants.
Concentrate production:
58,500 tons Pb-concentrate with
82.7% Pb and 115 ppm Ag.
74,600 tons Zn-concentrate
with 63.7% Zn.
10
THE BLYKLIPPEN LEAD-ZINC MINE AT MESTERSVIG, EAST GREENLAND
Miner. Photo: Jørgen Christensen, 'Blyminen i Mesters Vig', published by Atuagkat, 2005.
Drilling. Photo: GEUS.
Driller. Photo: GEUS.
11
THE BLYKLIPPEN LEAD-ZINC MINE AT MESTERSVIG, EAST GREENLAND
The mining camp at full moon. Photo: Jens Garne, 'Blyminen i Mesters Vig', published by Atuagkat, 2005.
View to the east from Blyklippen with remnants of the mining camp to the right and white tailings to the left. The three fuel tanks are also visible in the upper
scene. August 2005. Photo: GEUS.
scene. August 2005. Photo: GEUS.
Key references
Aastrup, P., Tamsdorf, M. & Tukiainen, T. 2001:
MINEO. Use of hyperspectral data for monitor-
ing pollution from the lead-zinc mine, Mestersvig,
in Northeast Greenland. In: Olsen, H.K., Lorentzen,
L. & Rendal, O. (eds): Mining in the Arctic, 25-
28. Lisse, The Netherlands: A.A. Balkema
Publishers.
Astlind, B. & Fahlström, P.H. 1957: Greenland
lead-zinc mine beats elements with underground
mill. Mining World, November 1957, 46-50.
Bondam, J. & Brown, H. 1955: The geology and
mineralisation of the Mesters Vig area, East
Greenland. Meddelelser om Grønland
135
(7),
40 pp.
Fischer, B., Heide, E. & Kirchner, G. 1958: Der
Blei-Zink-Bergbau Mesters Vig in Ostgrönland.
Berg- und Hüttenmännische Monatshefte
103
(8),
145-153.
Gross, W.H. 1956: The direction of flow of min-
eralizing solutions. Blyklippen Mine, Greenland.
Economic Geology
51
, 415-426.
Harpøth, O., Pedersen, J.L., Schønwandt, H.K.
& Thomassen, B. 1986: The mineral occurrences
of central East Greenland. Meddelelser om
Grønland, Geoscience
17
, 139 pp.
Witzig, E. 1954: Stratigraphische und tektonis-
che Beobachtungen in der Mesters Vig-Region
(Scoresby Land, Nordostgrönland). Meddelelser
om Grønland
72
(5), 26 pp.
Author
Bjørn Thomassen, GEUS
Editor
Karsten Secher, GEUS
Graphic Production
Henrik Klinge Pedersen, GEUS
Printed
December 2005
Printers
Schultz Grafisk
ISSN
1602-818x
Front cover photograph:
Driller at the 415 m level in the Blyklippen mine. Photo: GEUS.
Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum
(BMP)
Government of Greenland
P.O. Box 930
DK-3900 Nuuk
Greenland
Tel: (+299) 34 68 00
Fax.: (+299) 32 43 02
E-mail: bmp@gh.gl
Internet: www.bmp.gl
Geological Survey of Denmark
and Greenland (GEUS)
Øster Voldgade 10
DK-1350 Copenhagen K
Denmark
Tel: (+45) 38 14 20 00
Fax.: (+45) 38 14 20 50
E-mail: geus@geus.dk
Internet: www.geus.dk
Annual ore production from the Blyklippen lead-zinc deposit
Period
(1/10-30/9)
1955-1956
1956-1957
1957-1958
1958-1959
1959-1960
1960-1961
1961-1962
1956-1957
1957-1958
1958-1959
1959-1960
1960-1961
1961-1962
Total
Tonnage
45,000
87,400
90,200
92,500
86,000
87,400
90,200
92,500
86,000
101,500
41,800
544,600
Lead (%)
8.2
8.5
8.5
10.0
12.0
12.0
8.0
10.7
3.8
9.3
9.3
Zinc (%)
10.5
10.7
10.7
8.0
10.0
12.0
12.0
8.7
10.3
9.9
Sikorsky S 51 helicopter used in mineral exploration 1956. Lauge Koch is in the foreground to
the right. Photo: GEUS Archive.
the right. Photo: GEUS Archive.
12
Last modified: January 17, 2006
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