Structure and petrochemistry of the Hafnarfjall-Skarðsheiði Central Volcano and the surrounding basalt succession, W-Iceland

This research involves a study of a 2 km thick volcanic succession which accumulated during the opening stages of the precursor of the Reykjanes-Langjökull axial rift zone in W-Iceland, between 6-3 m.y. Following the initial accumulation of olivine tholeiite lavas, which lie unconformably on an older crustal basement 10-13 m.y.), a central volcano developed in the Hafnarfjall-Skarðsheiði area. It was active for some 1.5 m.y. and consists of four volcanic phases: I. The Brekkufjall phase is characterized by basaltic volcanism followed by voluminous and copious extrusions of differentiated rocks culminating in a sudden caldera collapse (c.5 km wide) in Brekkufjall. II. During the Hafnarfjall phase a thick extrusive sequence of basaltic to rhyolitic compositions accumulated, mainly fed by ENE fissures. During the gradual subsidence of the Hafnarfjall caldera (7 by 5 km) a marked decrease occurred in lava accumulation rate outside the caldera. Epicentres of three cone sheet swarms coincide in time and space with three basinal structures of this caldera. III. The Skarðsheiði phase is characterized by N-S fissuring and a marked bimodal basalt-rhyolite lava accumulation. IV. Remnants of the Heioarhorn phase include compositions ranging from basalts to rhyolites. The western boundary of the axial rift zone is marked by large intrusives, basalt flexuring, a sheet swarm and the disappearance of dyke swarms. The lenticular unit was later buried by lavas of the Hvalfjörður lenticular unit. Rocks of the central volcano follow the Þingrmúli trend, but is discontinuous in the basal tic andesite range. Basalts (frequently porphyritic) with relatively monotonous compositions and low LIL abundancies predominate during episodes of low extrusion rate whereas high elemental dispersion characterizes basalts of high extrusion rate episodes. The basalt compositions are believed to be controlled more by partial melting processes rather than by episodes of low-pressure fractionation. The differentiated rocks are considered to have predominantly formed by partial melting of the lower crust

Isotopic Evidence of Hydrothermal Exchange and Seawater Ingress from Alteration Minerals in the Reykjanes Geothermal System: Results from the IDDP

ABSTRACT The primary economic objective of the Iceland Deep Drilling Project (IDDP) is to find 450-600°C supercritical geothermal fluids at drillable depths. The Reykjanes geothermal system is a seawater recharged hydrothermal system, although fluid composition has evolved through time as a result of changing proportions of meteoric water influx as well as differing pressure and temperature conditions imposed by glaciation (Arnorsson, 1995

Life Cycle Assessment as a tool for resource optimisation of continuous basalt fibre production in Iceland

Continuous Basalt Fibre (CBF) is a structural material formed from molten rocks and is analogous to glass fibre. The concept of using molten rock to form fibres dates back to the start of the last century. The inception of more comprehensive research took place in the 1970s, by former Soviet countries. The largest active mines today are located in Ukraine and Russia. The market is steadily developing as production becomes more economically viable, and CBF becomes more readily known and tested. Continuous basalt fibres are ideally suited for demanding applications that require high temperatures, chemical resistance, durability, mechanical strength and low water absorption. CBF therefore has a large potential within the construction industry. Greenbas is a project led by Innovation Centre Iceland and funded by NORDMIN. It investigates the extraction of volcanic basalt, for the optimised, sustainable production of CBF in Iceland. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a useful tool for the assessment of environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. LCA has been used to address every step of the future production chain of CBF in Iceland; from the mining and crushing of rocks, to the fibre production of CBF using various energy mixes. This future production chain has been compared to current CBF production in Russia, in order to optimise production in terms of consistency, quality, cost and GHG emissions. This research is relevant to conference topics: \u27LCA and other assessment tools for waste and resource management and planning\u27 and \u27life cycle engineering and sustainable manufacturing.\u27 Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

GREENBAS : Sustainable Fibres from Basalt Mining

The GREENBAS project is about the feasibility of producing continuous basalt fibres from Icelandic basalt. The project was made possible with support from NordMin, with the aim to develop the Nordic mining and mineral industry.Geological investigations by Iceland Geosurvey have resulted in insight into locations of the most ideal materials. Work at Innovation Centre Iceland (ICI) led to the definition of the basalt properties required. ICI also analysed the business conditions for a start-up factory. The involvement of JEI has ensured industrial relevance in tandem with the contribution of the University of Reykjavik team in gaining an understanding of the importance of applications in building materials.The involvement of SINTEF Norway and VTT Finland was crucial. They provided their expertise to analyse the life-cycle of basalt fibres and the feasibility and need of artificial external components. On basis of this project, a new phase can be started: the preparations for establishing a continuous basal fibre factory in Iceland

Water Conscious Mining (WASCIOUS)

The main objective of the NordMin WASCIOUS project was to develop a technology concept for water conscious mining, where innovative water and tailings treatment technologies provide good-quality water for recycling and discharge and enable safe disposal or utilization of tailings. The work included a survey on current practices and requirements in Nordic mines and laboratory and pilot scale development of several technologies. Computational simulations of water treatment and recycling practices were performed for a feasibility study of some technology alternatives and technologies for dewatering of tailings were evaluated. As an important outcome of the project, a future Nordic research platform was established related to environmental issues in mining for the Nordic region, enabling exchange of ideas and collaboration in future project calls, and facilitating ideas for future projects

The Nordic Supply Potential of Critical Metals and Minerals for a Green Energy Transition

A new report from Nordic Innovation shows that the Nordics have a large and untapped potential as a sustainable supplier of the raw materials the world needs to become a low-carbon emission society. The green energy transition is crucial to achieve the climate goals, and it involves a transition from non-renewables to renewables-based production, storage, transmission and use of energy. At the same time, we see an increased need for minerals that are crucial in the production of most of the technologies that are central in achieving this transition, like batteries and windmills. Today, there are not enough raw materials available to meet the basic demands needed to implement the world’s climate action plan.  The EU has defined certain raw materials, which are important for the economy and associated with supply risks, as critical raw materials (CRM).  In addition to the fact that the Green Energy Transition is dependent on several CRMs, these raw materials are also used in existing industries and technologies, which entails fierce competition for them. We also know now that todays’ extraction and the current and forecasted recycling of CRM is not able to meet the total demand of transition to a low-carbon society and to mitigate climate change.  For example, International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that the global demand for lithium and graphite, which are among of the most important raw materials for electric car batteries, will probably be 40 times higher by 2040 if the world is to reach its climate goals. Even complete recycling of used car batteries will only cover 10 % of the demand for minerals such as copper, nickel, lithium and cobalt, according to the IEA forecast.  The new report shows that the Nordics has a major potential in their bedrock to provide a secure supply of almost the full range of metals and minerals needed for the Green Energy Transition. In mineral-richness, the Nordic bedrock can be compared with the most mineral-rich areas of the world, such as Canada, the USA, Brazil and Australia.  The mineral deposits represent an unexploited economic potential in our region; we already have the mining experience and technology, and knowledge about unexplored raw materials could give better utilization of and added value to existing mining operations and to our industries.  The publication is part of the program Sustainable Minerals by Nordic Innovation. Geological Survey of Finland, Geological Survey of Sweden, Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, Ministry of Mineral Resources of the Government of Greenland, Geological Survey of Norway, Norwegian Directorate of Mining, Reykjavik University, and National Energy Authority of Iceland are responsible for its content