ReCalc - Industrial carbonates as a byproduct from the Garpenberg mine

Important results from the project

The project has shown that the brightness of carbonate rock from the Garpenberg mine is mainly controlled by mineralogical factors, in particular the content of accessory opaque minerals. However, sections of chemically and mineralogically pure, light marble have been detected in the direct vicinity of mine infrastructure at the Lappberget and Dammsjön ore bodies. Geochemical, spectrophotometric and mineralogical characterization of these occurrrences confirms that these carbonate rock deposits have potential as industrial minerals.

Expected long term effects

The characterization of the carbonate rocks have led to a general increase in interest in Garpenberg carbonate, both from Boliden Mineral AB, but also from potential partners from the industrial minerals sector. Extraction of carbonate from Garpenberg would not only provide a more resilient carbonate value chain in Sweden, but also provide direct benefits to the mine such as less mine waste and increased value from by-products. The pre-study has increased interest in the project idea, which will continue to be evaluated after the end of the project.

Approach and implementation

The project has consisted of close collaboration between Boliden and LTU, where Boliden has primarily been responsible for drill core logging and sampling, while LTU has primarily been responsible for detailed mineralogical characterization. Initially, the project plan also included pilot benefication tests on carbonate rock from Garpenberg. The latter were carried out by an external, potential industrial partner as a basis for further discussions regarding collaboration, and are thus confidential at the moment.