Mining operations in Tana
One of the world’s largest quartzite quarry can be found in Austertana. Here, LNS is under contract with Elkem Tana AS to extract quartzite for the ferrosilicon industry worldwide.
The open-pit mine in Austertana is one of several Northern Norwegian mines where LNS is the operating contractor.
This assignment for Elkem Tana AS involves drilling, blasting, and transporting 1.2 million tons of quartzite every year from the quarry. In addition, 200-250,000 tons of quarry waste is transported from quay level to the final level 220 meters above sea level.
The quarry is located at approx. 350 meters above sea level, which is considered alpine this far north. The quartzite is transported from the quarry to the crusher, 40 meters above sea level. The transport road, which among equipment and vehicle suppliers is regarded as “the world’s toughest”, has a gradient slope upwards of 1:7. This is highly challenging for both crew and machinery.
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Project name |
Elkem Tana quartzite open pit mine |
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Employer |
Elkem Tana AS |
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Type of project |
Mining operations, quarrying |
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Location |
Municipality of Tana, Norway |
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Contract period |
April 2001 - October 2010 |
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Form of contract |
Mining construction contract – unit price contract |
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Description of project |
Drilling, blasting and transportation of 1.2 million tons quartzite per year from the quarry. The quarry is located approx. 350 m above the sea and the quartzite is transported to the crusher at the quay installation. The transport route is steep with a gradient slope upwards 1:7. |
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