In 1993 the mining company Platinova A/S discovered a large zinc and lead mineralisation at Citronen Fjord, North Greenland. The mineralisation is situated in the National Park of North and East Greenland, and the distance to the world's northernmost land area is less than 100 km. The showing is to some extend similar to zinc-lead mineralisations in identical geological environments in Alaska. In these places mines have existed for years. Since 1993-1998 Platinova A/S has drilled about 34 km in 143 holes. On the basis of the drilling results Platinova A/S has estimated a resource of more than 20 million tons of ore containing 7% zinc and 1% lead. The resource at Citronen Fjord is larger, compared to the lead-zinc mineralisation at Maarmorilik, but the concetration of the two metals are lower. The company is of the opinion that a mine at Citronen Fjord can be operated by icebreakers; during two to three months in the summer, where fjord ice is at a minimum, supplies can be brought in and metals concentrate transported out.

A drill-rig is crossing Eastern River near the coast of the Citronen Fjord. During 1993-1998 Platinova A/S has drilled some 34 km of diamond drillings in 143 holes. Photo: C. Glahder, DMU

The final deposition of mine waste (tailings and waste rock) is probably one of the largest environmental problems connected to a mine at Citronen Fjord. The possible heavy metal pollution from the mine waste and other environmental issues has not yet been evaluated, but during 1993 -1997 DMU has performed baseline studies in the area. DMU has e.g. collected samples on land, in rivers and lakes and in the fjords in order to evaluate the natural level of metals in the environment. Such knowledge of the baseline situation prior to a mine start is important so that a possible contamination from the mine can be evaluated. The studies have revealed that high zinc concentrations, released to the environment through natural processes, are transported to Citronen Fjord during a short period each year. Besides the baseline studies DMU has, on behalf of the Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum, Greenland, inspected and regulated the exploration activities.

The Citronen Fjord with ice-covered Frederick E. Hyde Fjord further to the north. In front two Alpine hares and in the middle of the photo at the lake the Platinova A/S base camp is situated. Photo: C. Glahder, DMU

Water samples are collected and temperature is measured in Citronen Fjord. Marine samples were collected from the rubber dinghy which together with the rest of the equipment were flown from Denmark through Station Nord. Photo: C. Glahder, DMU

The mineralisation and the environmental studies are described (in Danish) in the DMU Tema-rapport no. 38/2001:

"Minedrift og miljø i Grønland " (PDF-format 2.9 MB)