Natural Pozzolan

The volcanic slag from Katla is often referred to as a basalt, pumice, or a magmatic or pyrogenic rock. From our perspective, the most applicable designation would be a ‘natural pozzolan’.

Pozzolans are natural or synthetic compounds of silica, alumina, limestone, iron oxide and alkaline substances, mostly formed under the influence of heat. In combination with calcium hydroxide and water, they are cohesive. Based on its chemical and mineralogical composition and the construction industry requirements (DIN EN 197-1), the volcanic slag from Katla meets the criteria for classification as ‘natural pozzolan’.

The name ‘pozzolan’ comes from the Italian town Pozzuoli, west of Naples and close to the volcano Vesuvius, where large quantities of pozzolanic volcanic ash were extracted in ancient times.

Pozzolanic ash was already used in ancient Rome as an admixture to clays for the production of ceramics, mainly for improving the strength of the end product. In addition, pozzolanic clay was used as an admixture for Roman concrete (Latin: ”opus caementicium”) and by the Phoenicians. The most famous historical sites that display the use of opus caementicium are large parts (foundation, vaults and upper inner walls) of the Colosseum in Rome and the dome of the Pantheon in Rome (approx. 120 AD). Pozzolanic earth was even used by Michelangelo in his plaster for the decoration of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.

Materials like the Mýrdalssandur natural pozzolan will play a key role in achieving the new environmental goals.

Reduction of carbon footprint

EP Power Minerals has been supplying carbon-neutral additives to the construction materials industry for decades. By doing so, EP Power Minerals has solved problems for two industries: the efficient removal of fly ash as a by-product from coal-fired power plants in the energy sector, and the establishment of a stable and green supply of additives to the construction materials industry (mainly cement & concrete). EP Power Minerals is facing a decline in the operations of coal-fired power plants and the supply of materials from that source cannot be ensured in the long term. Therefore, EP Power Minerals has invested in research into alternative materials in order to continue the decarbonization of industries. The research led to Iceland, and natural pozzolan from Iceland has been identified as a feasible solution. The natural pozzolan is a pyroclastic volcanic slag resulting from eruptions of the Katla volcano, predominantly from the 1918 eruption.

Environmental benefits will accrue when natural pozzolan is used as an additive in cement production at EP Power Minerals’ customers. The cement industry is under considerable pressure to reduce CO₂ emissions in its production processes. With the replacement of cement clinker in the production processes and the accompanying significant reduction of carbon emissions, the effects on the environment are immediate. Materials like the Mýrdalssandur natural pozzolan will play a key role in achieving the new environmental goals.

Outlook

The intended mining process is basically simple: payloaders load natural pozzolan onto trucks or conveyors which transport the material to a harbor, where the material is transferred to ships. This method has been practiced here in Iceland for several decades, and it is estimated that many million cubic meters of sand or basalt have already been exported to Europe. 

A maximum of 10 meters will be taken from the top of the natural pozzolan layer, which rests on the surface of the sand. The excavation area will then be recultivated at a later date. The natural pozzolan layer in Mýrdalssandur to the east and southeast of Hafursey will suffice for at least 100 years of mining. Only a small part of the total mining area will be processed at a time.

In a feasibility study, EP Power Minerals is currently examining whether there are alternatives to the previously planned truck transport via the ring road (Route 1) to the harbor in Þorlákshöfn. To make transport as climate-friendly as possible, alternative fuel concepts such as hydrogen-powered vehicles are currently under review and will be considered in optimizing the supply chain. 

The company plans not only to mine the natural pozzolan carefully and to develop sustainable logistics systems, but also to develop the land as an attractive destination for the local population and for tourists. Mýrdalssandur ehf. is interested in developing a long-term, trusting cooperation which at the same time will bring economic benefits (in terms of employment, tax, infrastructure and tourism) to the region of Vik í Mýrdal, its population and its businesses. The project as a whole is intended to make a local contribution to the diversification of the regional economy.

It is estimated that the mining and associated activities will create a large number of jobs for skilled employees when maximum capacity has been reached. Additional jobs can be expected: local workshops will for instance be asked to perform servicing of machinery and equipment. These jobs are not dependent on seasonal variations like the tourism industry, fishing and farming, which have been the mainstays of the work available locally in recent years.

Furthermore, jobs may be created in highly qualified fields of planning and engineering for specialized mining equipment and supply chain management. Financial advice will be needed in relation to all the administrative functions. With regard to the continuous development and optimization of the work to be performed, EP Power Minerals is open to innovative or alternative methods at all points along the supply chain. 

In an increasingly environmentally conscious world, where the fight against climate change is becoming more and more important, the planned natural pozzolan mining could also become a showcase project for tourism of which the Icelandic people can be proud.