Ironbark Zinc Limited (ASX:IBG) has achieved a significant milestone by proving shipping access to the Citronen base metal project in Greenland, hosting one of the world’s largest zinc deposits.
The Nunavik, a 189-metre long Polar Class Cargo ship has marked the first time a large commercial ship has travelled so far north on the eastern coast of Greenland.
Preliminary shipping route
The vessel took advantage of late summer ice conditions and open water leads to prove viable access to the project site.
Ironbark chartered the icebreaking Nunavik to transit the area as part of the overall proof of logistical plan for Citronen, which will be a largely conventional mine with the exception of its location.
Junction of the main Fjord, Frederik Hyde Fjord and the open ocean - taken from an aircraft servicing the Citronen project
Ironbark managing director Jonathan Downes said: “The relative ease with which the vessel was able to negotiate the ice conditions, even this late in the season, has given a huge boost to our level of confidence in the practicality of operating this world class base metal project in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
“The proposed mine would be a significant global producer of zinc metal and, while the mine would be conventional in almost every way, its location has previously been perceived to be a point of difference and as a challenge. We are delighted to achieve this significant milestone.”
READ: Ironbark Zinc completes site visits at Greenland zinc project, begins portal work
The Citronen project has some unique characteristics that are likely to make this one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable global operations.
Ironbark plans to draw on these advantages to deliver the cleanest zinc mine in the world.
The company has already broken first ground on-site and has started preliminary site works for portal preparation at the decline.
Equipment on site has been serviced and is now prepared for large-scale early works beginning next year.