In 1986, A/S Carl Nielsen started exploration in the Ilimassaq intrusion in an area east of Narsaq, South Greenland. In 1988, a joint venture between Highwood Resources Ltd. and Platinova Resources Ltd. started exploration in the same area. In 1989 the Ilimassaq Joint Venture was formed between the three companies. Until 1991, at least 60 holes totalling more than 2,500 m were drilled and more than 70 tons of ore were bulk sampled for further studies. The companies explored for zirkonium, yttrium, and rare earth elements. Zirkonium and yttrium compounds are used in e.g., ceramics, special glasses, lasers and catalysts.

In 1988, the companies aimed at exploitation licensees during 1989 and 1990. Therefore, different environmental investigations were initiated in those years. Ore and tailings from a Highwood Resources Ltd. pilot plant were studied for leaching metals and the toxicity of the produced leachate was tested on rainbow trout.

At the biological baseline study in 1988, Blue mussels are collected at low tide in Tunulliarfik Fjord in the Narsaq area. The tide varies 3-4 m, so organisms are most easily collected at low tide. Photo: C. Glahder, DMU

During the same year DMU (the former Greenland Environmental Research Institute), in collaboration with Greenland Field Investigations, evaluated possible tailings deposits on-land, and different locations for possible mine facilities. In August 1988 and 1989, DMU performed biological baseline studies in the area. Samples were collected of e.g., mussels, seaweed, fish, plants, lichens and sediments, as well as lambs from the sheep farms in the area. To assess the hunting, fishery, sheep rearing and tourism in the Narsaq area, and interview study was made during September 1988. In August 1989 the Greenland Museum registered two Norsemen and five Eskimo tent localities in the licence areas.

Blue mussels and seaweed are sampled on a wet day in 1988 in the Narsaq area. Mussels and seaweed are preferred organisms when e.g. a metal contamination in an area is assessed. These organisms are sedentary and they concentrate the metals to values that correspond to the average ambient metal concentration. Photo: C. Glahder, DMU

In the early 1990s, Highwood Resources Ltd. and Platinova A/S investigated the potential to produce sodalite, the raw material for the manufacture of zeolite. Zeolite is a substitute for phosphates in detergents. Since 1997, the companies have performed no exploration activities in the area, and in 2000, Highwood Resources Ltd. relinquished their exploration licence.

In the laboratory on board the survey vessel "Misiliisoq", the soft parts are cut from the shells of the blue mussels. Each sample of 20 mussels are registered and frozen for the DMU databank. August 1988. Photo: C. Glahder, DMU