Monitoring period
The monitoring study was performed in the Nalunaq gold mining area, Nanortalik municipality, South Greenland, during 20-26 August 2004. Sampling took place shortly after the second shipment of ore, and about eight months after the first shipment. Monitoring was performed according to the exploitation licence of 19 March 2004 issued by the Bureau of Minerals and Petrolum (BMP), the Greenland Home Rule.
Sampling program and analyses
Blue mussels, Brown seaweed and Shorthorn sculpin were sampled at four marine stations in the Kirkespir Bay, resident Arctic char were sampled in the Kirkespir River and lichens Cetraria nivalis were collected at 20 stations in the Kirkespir Bay and Valley area (Fig. 1). Samples were analysed for 10 elements (Hg, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, As, Se and Co) and the results were compared with baseline levels.
Elevated concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cr, As and Co
Zn, Cu, Cr, As and Co shoved on average higher concentrations than baseline concentrations. Except for Cr, elevated concentrations of the above elements could be expected from analyses of drainage from ore and waste rock performed prior to mining activities.
Marine environment impacted from the mine area
In the Kirkespir Bay, mussels and seaweed from stations closer to the Kirkespir River outflow had slightly higher concentrations of some elements compared to the organisms from stations closer to the pier. This indicates that elevated concentrations in the marine organisms stem from the mining area, whereas the pier area seems not to contribute to measurable contamination of the marine environment.
Freshwater environment
Resident Arctic char had higher concentrations of Cr and Co in their liver compared to background concentrations.
Terrestrial environment impacted from camp and pier area
In the Kirkespir Valley and Bay area higher concentrations of mainly Cu, Cr, As and Co were found in lichens near the pier, the camp and an area near the waterfall. Elevated concentrations in the pier and the camp area are likely to be a result of dispersed dust from ore stockpiles. Elevated concentrations in the waterfall area could be an effect of wind-borne dust from the stockpiles in the camp area.
Moderate local pollution
The present study found higher concentrations of some elements in some organisms when compared to the baseline level. Elevations were found within 5-10 km of coastline near the mouth of the Kirkespir River. This is considered a moderate impact, since only a small area is affected and increases in element concentrations are small. The impact at Nalunaq is much less than at the closed mines at Maarmorilik, Ivittuut and Mestersvig. At these three sites lead is elevated 100-1000 times and 40-100 km of coastline is affected. Because monitoring at Nalunaq is performed annually the contamination can be followed and mitigating steps can be taken, if necessary.
Possible actions
Prevention of dust from the two stockpile areas should be discussed with the mining company.
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