– Our goal is to find methods of waste disposal that significantly reduces the environmental impact of mining operations. The method(s) must also be financially attractive, says Nordic Iron Ore's CEO Lennart Eliasson.

Paterson & Cooke are evaluating alternatives to the waste management programs on which previous studies are based. NIO already has an environmental permit for traditional handling with a sand reservoir above ground, but the chosen mining method with backfilling of the mining chambers opens up the possibility for further reducing the mine's environmental impact.

If these preliminary studies show that this is potentially an attractive option, this alternative will be further developed rapidly to a feasibility study level. In this case, an application must be made to the Land and Environmental Court to obtain permission to deviate from the solution described in Nordic Iron Ore's environmental permit to take into account this improvement. It is not anticipated that these changes will impact upon the development schedule to achieve production.

Paterson & Cooke's work is scheduled to be completed during the current quarter.