The Smart Exploration Research Center (SERC) and Nordic Iron Ore AB have teamed up to target promising seismic features through a deep drilling program aimed at exploring intriguing reflection seismic features identified in the Blötberget exploration permits and mining concession in Sweden.

Facilitated by Epiroc, funded by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research and led by Uppsala University, the centre aims to undertake fundamental and innovative research with significant national and international implications. Its primary goal is to ensure a responsible, socially acceptable, resilient and sustainable supply of critical raw materials.

This strategic initiative follows an extensive seismic survey conducted in the area in 2014 and a 3D seismic survey conducted in 2019, which confirmed earlier 2D surveys. The surveys have revealed several promising features with different characters and at different depths, suggesting potential for additional reserves at depth and laterally from those known from the drilling work, Nordic Iron Ore says.

A team from the SERC and Nordic Iron Ore comprising geoscientists and engineers have analysed the data and drilling plan to select optimal drilling positions that could lead to groundbreaking discoveries and improved geological understanding of the iron-oxide deposits and their enriched rare earth element (REE) parts, the company added.

Ronne Hamerslag, CEO of Nordic Iron Ore AB, said: “Commencing this drilling program represents a significant step in our exploration and mine planning efforts. We are committed to leveraging advanced technology and expert analysis to untap the resources hidden beneath the surface and bring value to our stakeholders and local communities.”

Alireza Malehmir, Research Director of SERC, said: “For over a decade, Blötberget and NIO have been a great host to new ideas and innovative technologies. The first ever 3D seismic survey for deep targeting in Sweden was conducted at Blötberget. We are excited about the origin of those reflections and the synergy the drilling results and core samples would provide to the entire SERC geoscientists and engineers.”

Anders Persson, Global Technology and Methods Manager at Epiroc, said: “We are proud to play a vital role in the drilling industry, contributing our expertise and dedication to this work and the centre. Together, we are unlocking new resources and paving the way for a sustainable and innovative future.”

The drilling operations are expected to begin on January 15, 2025, by Protek, and will continue until April 2025. Work will be carried out with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship and community engagement, the companies say.

The majority of mining operations at the Blötberg mine, prior to its closure in 1979, were conducted above the 240-m level. Nordic Iron Ore plans to restart mining operations below previously exhausted areas, using the 420-metre level as the new main level. The Blötberg field consists mainly of three mineralised bodies:

• The Kalvgruvan mine (high-apatite magnetite mineralisation);
• Hugget-Flygruvan (high-apatite magnetite-haematite mineralisations); and
• Sandell ore (high-apatite magnetite mineralisation).