- Dutch Ministry approves salt mining in Heiligerlee until 2035.
- Salt supply supports chemical production in Delfzijl and Rotterdam.
- Key substances include chlorine, caustic soda, and materials for sustainable energy.
- Additional studies on cavern closure and soil subsidence are required.
Approval for Salt Mining Extension
The Dutch Ministry of Climate and Green Growth has granted approval for extending salt mining activities in Heiligerlee, Groningen, until 2035. This decision was made after evaluating opinions and advice from TNO-AGE, the State Supervision of Mines (SodM), the Mining Council, and local authorities, ensuring that operations can continue safely and responsibly.
Ensuring Supply Continuity
The extension supports a stable transition to new salt mining locations yet to be developed. It ensures the continued supply of high-purity salt to chemical parks in Delfzijl and Rotterdam beyond 2025. This salt is crucial for producing chlorine, caustic soda, and other substances essential for manufacturing medicines, batteries, LED lighting, and components for sustainable energy solutions like wind turbines.
Additional Research Requirements
As part of the extension, additional permit conditions have been imposed. Nobian is required to conduct further studies on the closure of caverns and update long-term soil subsidence forecasts. These studies aim to ensure the responsible and sustainable continuation of salt mining activities in the region.
