All set for new Norwegian titanium mine

The government has considered Nordic Mining’s plans for mining in the Engebø mountain in Naustdal and Askvoll. The Ministry of Local Government and Modernization has today approved the zoning plan, and the Ministry of Climate and Environment has granted discharge permits.

- The Engebø project will allow for the extraction of valuable minerals, used in everything from tooth paste to paint and as metal for air planes and sports equipment. Engebø will contribute to increased activity and new jobs, says Minister of Industry and Trade Monica Mæland.

Large deposits of rutile has been found in the Engebø mountain. The government has allowed for disposal of mine tailings in the Førde fjord on the condition that the marine environment is taken care of in a satisfactory way. There are therefore strict demands for monitoring emissions. Monitoring and documentation will be controlled by the authorities. This is the first time that discharge permits have been awarded on conditions that seafood safety is ensured.

-The Engebø project is the largest planned mineral project in Norway. We are talking about investments in region of two billion Norwegian kroner, says Mæland.

Mining the resources could take up to 50 years. The project represents a value creation of about 500 million kroner annually. The research institute SINTEF estimates that the project could create 170 direct jobs related to production. In total, this could mean 300 new jobs in the Sunnfjord region and 500 new jobs on the national level.

-If Norway is to secure future jobs and welfare, we need competitive businesses. The mineral industry could be a motor for increased activity and more jobs in rural areas, says Mæland.