Clearing up after Søve Mines

Why is there a need to clean up?

The name Søve Mines comes from the extraction of Søvitt, an igneous rock (one of the three main rock groups on Earth) composed of calcite and minerals, including the element niobium. Niobium was a sought-after alloying metal for jet engines, but when niobium prices fell in 1965, it was no longer profitable to operate the mines.

The waste (slag) from the smelting process contains a concentration of uranium and thorium. This type of material is often referred to as "NORM" (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material). This means that the radioactivity in the slag is natural but has increased due to human activity.

Any human activity that results in increased natural ionizing radiation from the surroundings is subject to the Radiation Protection Act and the regulations on the application of the Pollution Control Act to radioactive pollution and radioactive waste. The regulations specify when waste must be classified as radioactive. The slag from Søve Mines exceeds this limit and must therefore be removed in accordance with Norwegian law.

It is planned to create a sealed concrete structure on the same site, where the masses will be moved to, ensuring their safety over a long period. The interaction phase towards spring 2025 will determine the final location and membrane solution.

Sources: Store Norske Leksikon, Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning, Fensfeltet.no

Q&A's

Why should the masses be secured?

The Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA) considers the activity level in the area around the abandoned mine to be so high that permanent securing of parts of the residual material is necessary.

Why is there radioactive waste at Søve Mines?

From 1953 to 1965, AS Norsk Bergverk extracted the metal niobium and produced ferroniobium at Søve in Telemark.

In the production of ferroniobium, the natural elements uranium and thorium were concentrated to an unnaturally high level in the slag, which was deposited on a slope outside the workshop building (slag heap). Today, the slag is mixed with other materials and is partially covered.

Where are Søve Mines located?

Søve Mines are located 1.5 km east along Norsjø from Ulefoss center. The mines are on the edge of the Fensfeltet, which was formed by a limestone volcano that emerged 580 million years ago.

Has it been dangerous to stay in the area?

Short-term exposure to the slag heaps is not considered dangerous for humans. However, they are intended to be removed from nature due to their long-term environmental impact. 

How can we be sure that the construction will be sealed?

AF Decom and the designers have extensive experience with sealed concrete structures.

The concrete structure is supposed to last for 1000 years, how is that possible?

We are confident that the structure will last for a very long time. The exact solution, which membranes will be used, and the final design of the concrete structure are precisely what we will determine in the interaction phase, which runs until the summer of 2025.

Who is responsible for the project?

On March 14, 2014, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries (NFD) was ordered by the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority (now DSA) to finance and carry out the cleanup at Søve Mines. On January 1, 2020, the Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning (NND) was tasked by NFD to take over the responsibility for the cleanup at Søve Mines.

When will the project be completed?

The preliminary project plan runs until May 25, 2026, but depends on a number of decisions throughout the process. Mainly, the timeline depends on regulatory and approving authorities.

Who can I contact regarding the project?

For NND, Project Manager Andre Øraas, andre.oraas@nnd.no

For AF Decom, Project Manager Øyvind Omnes, oyvind.omnes@afgruppen.no