During the period from 1986 to early 1990s, mining companies have explored the Skærgården area in the Kangerlussuaq Fjord for gold, palladium, platinum and ilmenite (titanium dioxide). The fjord is situated halfway between Ammassalik and Ittoqqortoormiit, Scoresbysund, in East Greenland. The exploration was performed by Platinova Resources Ltd. and Corona Corporation, and later by Platinova A/S and RTZ Mining and Exploration Ltd. In 1999, Platinova A/S relinquished its exploration licence.

The mining companies drilled in total 27 holes of approximately 16,600 m. The drilling confirmed two mineralised layers, which covered about 15 km2. This area represented c. 60% of the so-called Skærgård intrusion. Based on the drilling results the estimated resource was c. 71 million tons grading approximately 2.5 g per tons.

The Benthic macrofauna is sampled and prepared on board the survey vessel "Adolf Jensen" at the biological baseline study in Kangerlussuaq, East Greenland. The samples are collected with a HAPS sedimentcore sampler (to the right), sifted through a 1 mm mesh and finally the organisms are stored (top left). A total of 310 samples from 31 locations were collected at the cruise in August 1990. Photo: C. Glahder, DMU

To assess environmental issues, DMU (the former Greenland Environmental Research Institute) performed reconnaissance studies during August-September 1989. The studies evaluated possible tailings depots in Uttental Sund and Vandfaldsdalen in Miki Fjord and therefore bathymetric soundings were done in Uttental Sund. Also, flora and fauna in the area was assessed, together with the marine mammal hunt performed by hunters from the Ammassalik district. During August 1990 a biological baseline study was carried out with the survey vessel "Adolf Jensen". Samples were collected of mussels, seaweed, fish, benthos and sediments at the head of Kangerlussuaq and in Uttental Sund and Miki Fjord. In collaboration with Greenland Field Investigations, DMU identified possible on-land tailings depots and possible mining facilities.

Otto and Josef Ignatiussen are interviewed in their house at the Skærgården settlement by the interpreter Niels Gran and the photographer. The 1991-study interviewed 23 recent and former hunters. Photo: C. Glahder, DMU

To assess the hunt in the areas as well as number and distribution of marine mammals, an interview study was performed during July-August 1991. A total of 23 recent and former hunters were interviewed and their information covered a period of 40 years. The hunters are sailed from their homes in the Ammassalik district to the Skærgården settlement, which holds 20-30 houses made by the hunters themselves. The hunters bring with them dogs, sledges, kayaks and dinghies, among other things. Normally the hunters stay in the settlement for a one-year period. The area used for hunting extends c. 40 km into Kangerlussuaq Fjord and c. 150 km along the East Greenland coast. On average, the yearly hunt constitutes c. 2.000 Ringed seals, 50-200 of other seal species, 20-30 Narwhals and 25-35 Polar bears.

Ane and Ulrik Sanimuinaq cut slices of mattak, whale skin, from a Narwhal recently netted together with three other Narwhals. This recently adopted hunting technique is a supplement to the traditional kayak and harpoon method. The view is to the north from the Skærgården settlement. Photo: C. Glahder, DMU