More studies on Greenland zinc refinery

The Greenland cabinet has approved further studies into building a zinc refinery near Nuuk, the capital. The government believes a refinery would help diversify the country’s fishing-based economy.

The 100,000-ton-per-year plant would be a joint venture between the government and Platinova A/S (TSE). Estimated to cost US$300 million, it would receive zinc concentrate from the Canadian Arctic that currently passes by Nuuk’s deep-water, ice-free port on its way to Europe.

One of the studies, to cost about US$1.3 million, will look at expanding the Buksefjord hydro plant to meet the necessary power requirements. A final decision on the project is expected by spring of 1994.