WPs

The project is organised in 6 closely related work packages.

The work packages are in addition to administration, engaged on finding solutions for ecosystem friendly mining. The WPs are working together and using results from the different work packages (WPs) to further the knowledge base generated in other WPs.

  • The employment and training of 2 Post. Doc. working on tailings modification (WP2) and on modelling of deposits (WP5)
  • Collaboration between NIVA, NTNU, SINTEF, NGU and UIT which comprise the most important institutions working with STPs in Norway at present.
  • Collaboration and knowledge exchange between national and foreign Universities and Institutes working on the environmental problems associated with STPs.

WP1: Project Management - SINTEF / Per Helge Høgaas

  • Project Management and Project Office support services
  • Internal and external communication and information
  • Reporting and communication with RCN
  • Organise project meetings and workshops

WP2: Tailings Improvement and Characteristics. Exploiting the predepositioning potential - NTNU / Rolf Arne Kleiv

  • Study on desorption/readsorption kinetics of chemicals/fines
  • Potential for recycling or immobilising chemicals/fines

The main parts of WP2 will be executed as a PhD study

WP3: Study of three comparable fjords - NGU / Oddvar Longva

  • Inspection and synthesis of morphology of already mapped fjords
  • Pilot marine geology study of two comparable fjords

WP4: Effects from mine tailings and associated chemicals on marine, benthic ecosystems – NIVA / Morten Schaanning

  • Development of analytical methods for chemicals associated with STPs
  • Ecotoxicity
  • Sensitivity of the benthic ecosystem to sedimentation of contaminated STPs
  • Colonisation experiment on mine tailings disposals
  • State of benthic communities in STP-affected and reference fjord
  • Trace metal speciation and processes at the sediment-water interface inseabed deposits with sulphide tailings
  • Development of modelling of the spreading of fine fractions
  • Work package management

WP5: Modelling, Impact acceptance criteria and Risk aspects
– SINTEF / Ansattinfo mangler

  • Study of flocculation, dispersion of particles and modelling of sea current
  • Impacts from use of added chemicals
  • Validation with data from an existing fjord
  • PhD work – main activity on flocculation processes in sea water, risk aspects and criteria of acceptance

WP6: Best Available Techniques (BAT) for STPs
– NIVA / Eva Ramirez-Llodra

  • Data management
  • Workshops for BAT