Table of Contents
What is mined in the Arctic Circle?
Arctic Mineral Resources The most popular minerals include coal, iron ore, zinc, lead, nickel, precious metals, diamonds and gemstones. Arctic Aggregates Production Rock, stone, sand and gravel are mined throughout the Arctic region for a variety of construction projects onshore and off.
Why is mining common in the Arctic?
The Arctic provides many opportunities by way of its historical resistance to human interference: It’s relatively untouched, and its changing climate means there are new opportunities to pursue in transportation, exploration and discovery — especially in the mineral resources space.
Where are the resources in the Arctic?
The main regions in the Arctic linked to oil and gas exploitation are the Beaufort Sea (North Slope, Alaska and Mackenzie Delta, Canada), and the northwest part of the Russian Arctic (Barents Sea and West-Siberia). Oil and gas are also found in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (Nunavut).
Is there gold in the Arctic?
A unique diamond and gold deposit has been located near the Arctic coast, about 155 kilometres southeast of Kugluktuk in Nunavut. The deposit bears “striking” similarities to the world’s largest, most dominant source of gold through history, say scientists.
Do people mine in the Arctic?
Large Arctic mines include Red Dog mine (zinc) in Alaska, Diavik Diamond Mine in Northwest Territories, Canada, and Sveagruva in Svalbard. Large mines under development are Baffinland Iron Mine in Nunavut, and Isua Iron Mine in Greenland. Gold mining in Alaska is widespread.
How much do Arctic miners make?
Norwegian miners can earn up to $100,000 a year, more than 10 times the pay of a Russian miner, according to Norwegian officials. Norway administers Svalbard but other nations can exploit natural resources under a 1920 treaty.
Is the Arctic rich?
The Arctic has vast deposits of economically valuable mineral resources. Significant deposits of phosphate, bauxite, diamonds, iron ore, and gold are located in the Arctic region. Deposits of silver, copper, and zinc also exist in the Arctic. Resource extraction is extremely difficult, however.
Who Owns the Arctic?
In summary, the Law of the Sea Treaty grants significant undersea portions of the Arctic to Canada, the United States, Russia, Norway and Denmark. These nations gain claim to the natural resources on, above and beneath the ocean floor up to 200 miles from their shoreline.
How is mining affecting the Arctic?
Mining operations in the Arctic do not sufficiently address climate change. Mining is heavily water dependent. Increased water variability can threaten a mine’s rate of production, its dust suppression ability and mine drainage, which could potentially harm the environment.
How does Svalbard make money?
The economy of Svalbard is dominated by coal mining, tourism and research. The same year, mining gave a revenue of 2.008 billion kr, tourism NOK 317 million and research 142 million.
Does Norway mine coal?
Norway is a coal exporter with production having increased since the opening in 2001 of the Svea Norda mine. The two mines are on Spitsbergen, the main island in the dependency of Svalbard to the north of the Norwegian mainland.
Can plants grow in the Arctic?
ARCTIC PLANTS. Approximately 1,700 species of plants live on the Arctic tundra, including flowering plants, dwarf shrubs, herbs, grasses, mosses, and lichens. This makes shallow root systems a necessity and prevents larger plants such as trees from growing in the Arctic.