Kvanefjeld

Villiaumitic lujavrite, Kvanefjeld. Field of view is 1.75 cm wide. Click for link to additional photos.

Kvanefjeld (or Kuannersuit), in Greenland, is the site of a mineral deposit, which is claimed to be the world's second-largest deposit of rare earth oxides, and the sixth-largest deposit of uranium.[1] There are also substantial sodium fluoride deposits, and Kvanefjeld is thought to be one of the largest multi-element deposits of its kind in the world.[2]

Tugtupite from Kvanefjeld, Greenland.

A recent relaxation of regulations by the government of Greenland has opened up the possibility of large-scale mining by Greenland Minerals and Energy.[3] The Kvanefjeld site is part of the Ilimaussaq intrusive complex.[4] Rare earths and uranium are typically concentrated in lujavrite.[5] Lujavrite, a dark agpaitic nepheline syenite, occurs as an internal layer in the north Ilimaussaq complex. The uppermost sections generally have the highest rare earth elements, uranium and zinc grades.

Lujavrite is a rare variety of nepheline syenite having amphibole, aegirine pyroxene, nepheline and feldspar. The red spots in the rock are crystals of the rare halide mineral villiaumite (NaF - sodium fluoride).

The Kvanefjeld project is 100% owned by ASX-listed Greenland Minerals and Energy Limited.[6]

Kvanefjeld is already known among mineral collectors as a source of fluorescent minerals such as tugtupite and chkalovite.[7] Coordinates: 60°59′N 46°00′W / 60.983°N 46.000°W / 60.983; -46.000

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Minerals of Kuannersuit plateau.
  1. ↑ Bennet, Michael (2010-09-10). "Greenland Minerals poised to move on Kvanefjeld rare earths plan". The Australian. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  2. ↑ "Greenland Minerals Ltd". Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  3. ↑ "Mining Journal - Greenland amends law to allow uranium mining". Retrieved 2011-01-13.
  4. ↑ "Greenland Minerals Ltd". Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  5. ↑ "Kvanefjeld Uranium deposit, Kuannersuit (Kvanefjeld) plateau, Ilimaussaq complex, Narsaq, Kitaa (West Greenland) Province, Greenland". Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  6. ↑ "Australian Stock Exchange - GGG.ASX" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-08-15.
  7. ↑ "LUMINOUS TRAVELS: ILIMAUSSAQ, GREENLAND". Retrieved 2010-09-13.
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