2025-03-18

Export of natural pozzolan planned directly from Alviðruhamrar in South Iceland

EP Power Minerals Iceland is planning to export natural pozzolan via shipment directly from Alviðruhamrar. The material originally comes from the Katla volcano and is used on the European mainland to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with cement production and to supply the construction materials industry with environmentally friendly raw materials.

Preliminary studies by Efla Consulting Engineers suggest the possibility of constructing a pier on pilings, along with a breakwater at Alviðruhamrar in South Iceland and shipping the material directly from there. This would simplify the transport of the material considerably and it would no longer be necessary to use Route 1.

The material would be transported to a storage site on the coast, close to the pier, either via a conveyor belt across the sand or by a linked trailer train, along a service road. In both cases, the transport would pass under Highway 1, ensuring no materials would be transported on public roads.

A piled pier equipped with a conveyor belt and a vehicle lane would be secured to the seafloor. At the end of the pier, the plan is to make a wharf according to existing ideas. This would enable loading onto cargo ships of up to 60,000 tons. Additionally, a one-kilometer breakwater would be constructed to protect against ocean waves.

In 2023, an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) of material extraction was completed, with a total planned extraction volume of 146 million cubic meters. The plan is to utilise this material in mainland Europe to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with cement production.

Foremost in my mind is the positive collaboration with municipal representatives and the Harbor Division of the IRCA in shaping this project. Exporting Katla Pozzolan at Alviðruhamrar could have significant impacts on employment and local services if realised, and exporting this clean additive material could notably reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from Europe's cement industry, which are considerable. The EIA outline currently under review is essentially a description of the upcoming environmental impact assessment. This process will address many questions related to technology, engineering solutions, and environmental issues.
Ragnar Guðmundsson
Managing Director of EP Power Minerals Iceland

The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration, together with the local municipality, initiated the proposal for an export facility at Alviðruhamrar. The National Planning Agency is expected to provide its opinion on the proposed EIA outline this spring, allowing the summer 2025 to be dedicated to environmental research and fieldwork in the project. Construction is anticipated to take about three years following the completion of all necessary permits and technical design. EP Power Minerals Iceland ehf. is the developer of the project.

Alviðruhamrar

Alviðruhamrar is one of the few locations along the southern coastline where solid bedrock extends nearly all the way to the sea. The extraction area east of Hafursey is nearby, and the planned loading jetty is situated outside the main channels of known Katla glacial floods. Access is easy, and road construction is uncomplicated. There would be minimal disturbance to land and ecosystems since the area primarily consists of barren sands and sand-covered lava. Sediment from the main glacial rivers is mainly directed elsewhere, and a uniform seabed facilitates quayside construction.