This is an important milestone in the development of the mineral project in Eigersund.
The actual extraction of samples will take place by extracting a total of approx. 200 m3 of igneous mineralised rock from seven different layers in the rock. The igneous mineralised rock contains three different valuable minerals: magnetite, ilmenite and apatite.
There will be relatively small and temporary interventions at each location, all of which are in agricultural areas. After extraction, the areas will be returned to an equally good or better agricultural condition.
NM has previously carried out several different laboratory tests with diamond drilled core samples to define the physical and chemical properties of the three different mineral concentrates and residual resources – mine tailings. The latter is just as important as the first because it is crucial for determining the best and most sensible ways in which residual resources can be used, including for re-establishing nature and landscapes as well as other circular reuse purposes.
The rock samples will be used in pilot scale processing tests and the results from these will be used to verify, update and provide even more precise data for deciding mineral processing equipment and size, mineral concentrates and residual resources.
Based on the permit for sampling, cultural heritage surveys will be carried out at the locations, dispensation from zoning plan will be obtained for temporary intervention and access will be clarified before the actual extraction will be carried out in the winter of 2026-2027 at the earliest.