Saves 50 million on new environmental collaboration

"Through this cooperation we can clean up after historical activity and ensure a proper closure of existing landfills. At the same time we get more efficient project delivery and clear responsibilities between the parties," says Lillian Risvaag, project manager from Longyearbyen lokalstyre (the local council).

The agreement regulates the distribution of responsibilities, project management and execution between the parties. The work is to be carried out through one joint contract, while each sub-project has its own project owner and its own finances. The project has been put out to tender, and the contract is expected to be awarded during July.

Through the agreement, Store Norske (the state-owned mining company) will handle project and construction management on behalf of the parties, while Longyearbyen local council is the main contracting party towards the contractor.

Saving of NOK 50 million

The appropriations for the three projects have been granted over several years through the state budget. The biggest gain from the cooperation solution is that slag and ash masses from the landfill at Mine 3 can be used for backfilling and terrain shaping in Adventdalen, instead of being transported to and deposited on the mainland. This gives a calculated saving of about NOK 50 million, while the environmental gains are safeguarded.

"We save approximately 50 million kroner by carrying out the project this way. It is very positive that the parties have found a solution that both reduces costs and gives significant environmental gains," says Anders Ringheim, project manager from Store Norske.

The measure has been approved by Miljødirektoratet (the Norwegian Environment Agency).

The work is planned to start in August 2026 and be completed during 2027, while the clean-up at Mine 7 is to be finished by December 2026.

Photo: Torbjørn Johnsen