Glahder, C.M. & Asmund, G. 2005. Technical Report from NERI no. 567, 37 pp.
Summary
Monitoring period
The monitoring study was carried out in the Nalunaq gold mining area, Nanortalik municipality, South Greenland, from 10 August to 5 September 2005. Four shipments of ore were carried out since the last monitoring study in August 2004.
Sampling program and analyses
Blue mussels, brown seaweed and shorthorn sculpin were sampled at two to five 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 Valley and along the Kirkespir Bay. Samples were analysed for 12 elements (Hg, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, As, Se, Co, Mo and Au) and the results were compared with background levels. An overview of the contamination of the entire area is presented by average concentrations, while contaminations of specific areas are presented by stations concentrations.
Entire area: Elevated average concentrations of Cu, As and Co
Average concentrations of Cu, As and Co were elevated 2-5 times in lichens only. None of the remainder average concentrations of the analysed elements in any of the organisms were elevated.
Specific areas: Marine environment slightly impacted from mine and pier areas
In the Kirkespir Bay, seaweed had slightly elevated concentrations of Zn and Co at stations near the Kirkespir River and the pier area and elevated concentrations of Cr near the river. This indicates that impacts come from both the mining area (e.g. mine water and crushing of waste rock) and the pier area (e.g. ore stockpiling and loading). Dust from the road can also contribute to elevated concentrations.
Specific areas: Freshwater
Resident Arctic char had no elevated concentrations in their liver.
Specific areas: Terrestrial environment impacted through dust from road and mine area
In the Kirkespir Valley and Bay area, 5-16 times higher concentrations of Cu, Cr, As and Co in lichens were found at stations near the pier, the waterfall and the camp areas. Elevated concentrations of the four elements in lichens were in most of the Kirkespir Valley an effect of dust from the road, partly built of waste rock. Concentrations above the background level could be found to a distance of about 1000 m from the road. An additional contribution came from the camp area, probably from the ore crusher and mine traffic.
Moderate local pollution
As in 2004, the local environment is impacted by the mine. Slightly elevated concentrations are found within c. 5 km of coastline on each side of the river’s outfall. Compared to 2004 the impacted marine area is smaller. This could be an effect of stockpiled fine-ground ore removed from the area prior to this monitoring study. The Kirkespir Valley floor is impacted mainly from dust from the road, but also from mine activities. Element concentrations in 2005 were similar to 2004, except for arsenic in the camp area where the level is doubled.
Possible actions
Prevention of dust from the road and the camp area should be discussed with the company. Use of waste rock for road maintenance should be reconsidered and based on chemical analysis. Dust from the road can be reduced by watering the road during dry periods.
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