The Engebo Rutile and Garnet Mine

The-Engebø-Rutile-and-Garnet-Mine_banner — The Engebø Rutile and Garnet Mine
Pioneering sustainable mining in Norway
Nordic Mining
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Engebø, Western Norway
|
2017 – 2024

Norway’s first new mine in 40 years

30% total project cost reduction

80% less CO2 emissions compared to the original design

Challenges

The Engebø deposit in Western Norway holds one of the largest unutilized rutile (TiO2) deposits in the world, with some of the highest grades of rutile and significant amounts of high-quality garnet.
Nordic Mining is establishing Norway’s first new mine in four decades. This project will unlock untapped mineral deposits and leverage the site’s strategic proximity to a deep-water quay which will enable efficient shipping and logistics to European and global markets.
The project had to navigate stringent environmental protection requirements, complex geotechnical conditions, and environmental sensitivities, on top of financial viability constraints raised from initial feasibility studies.
Nordic Mining needed a partner to manage these challenges and effectively coordinate stakeholder management and community consultation efforts throughout the project.

Solutions

Hatch completed early feasibility studies and foundational project planning and identified potential financial viability concerns. Hatch engaged to develop an innovative design to mitigate these concerns and ensure long-term operations for the mine.
Developed a unique process based on a gravity-fed system, implementing automated crushing and conveying systems to minimize material handling and eliminate the need for workers within the mountain during operations.
Served as Nordic Mining’s project management consultant, integrating into the owner’s team to manage construction, management, and engineering coordination, providing ongoing management and engineering support as well as detailed process engineering and plant layout designs.
Utilized locally produced renewable hydroelectric power for operations

Highlights

Reduced carbon emissions and contributed to a lower carbon footprint by using renewable hydroelectric power for the process plant energy requirements.
Achieved significant cost savings and environmental benefits through innovative design modifications, including a 30% reduction on overall project costs.
Positioned the Engebø mine as a leading producer of high-grade rutile and garnet while setting new benchmarks for environmental stewardship.

“We always want to work with the best in the industry. We chose a partner that would be together with us from feasibility studies into construction to prove the process design. The importance of this was to have a consistent partner that we can rely on. Thats why we chose a tier 1 partner like Hatch.”
Kenneth Nakken Angedal | Managing Director, Engebø Rutile and Garnet