Resurgence of Mining Exploration in Southern Lower Saxony: Anglo American Expands Search to Include Salt Deposits
Southern Lower Saxony is poised for a potential resurgence in mining activity as Anglo American Exploration Germany broadens its exploration efforts in the region. Initially focused on identifying metal deposits, the company will now also search for salt resources, according to an announcement by the Lower Saxony State Authority for Mining, Energy and Geology (LBEG). This expansion signals a renewed interest in the region’s subsurface wealth and could potentially lead to the revitalization of a sector with a long and storied history.
Anglo American Exploration Germany, a subsidiary of the global mining giant Anglo American, is already active in Thuringia, another German state with significant mineral resources. The company’s decision to explore for both metallic and saline deposits in Lower Saxony reflects a comprehensive approach to resource assessment. The target area, known as the "Leine-Salz" region, covers a substantial 1,961 square kilometers in the western Harz foothills. Geographically, this area lies south of major urban centers like Salzgitter and Hildesheim, and extends northwards from Göttingen. Key towns within the exploration zone include Einbeck, Seesen, and Herzberg am Harz.
The existing exploration license, which now encompasses both metals and salts, remains valid until the end of 2028. This timeframe provides Anglo American with ample opportunity to conduct thorough surveys and assessments of the subsurface geology. The search for metals in the region, which includes copper, lead, gold, and silver, is already underway. A specialized aircraft equipped with georadar technology will conduct aerial surveys, operating out of Hildesheim, to map subsurface geological structures and identify potential ore-bearing zones. The addition of salt exploration to the agenda underscores the company’s commitment to fully evaluating the region’s resource potential. The focus on both halite (rock salt) and potash salts reflects the diverse applications and economic importance of these minerals.
A spokesperson for the British parent company emphasized the strategic importance of raw materials like copper in driving the energy transition and supporting economic development. The company aims to responsibly expand resource extraction possibilities and contribute to increasing the domestic supply of critical minerals within Europe. This aligns with broader European Union initiatives to reduce reliance on foreign sources for essential raw materials and strengthen the continent’s strategic autonomy. The exploration activities in Lower Saxony and Thuringia represent concrete steps towards achieving this goal.
The spokesperson further noted that exploration and test drilling activities are already underway in Thuringia. These initial efforts will inform the company’s understanding of the regional geology and guide future exploration strategies in Lower Saxony. Should Anglo American discover economically viable deposits of either metals or salts, further permitting would be required to proceed with actual mining operations. This permitting process would involve rigorous environmental impact assessments, consultations with local communities, and adherence to stringent regulatory standards. The responsible and sustainable extraction of resources is a key priority for the company.
Meanwhile, further to the east, in the Upper Harz region, scientists have been conducting research to refine and test new exploration technologies. These research efforts, though separate from Anglo American’s commercial endeavors, contribute to a broader understanding of the Harz region’s mineral potential. Preliminary findings from these scientific investigations suggest that rare ores may still be present within the Harz’s subsurface. The Harz Mountains boast a rich and extensive mining history, stretching back over 3,000 years, making it the oldest and largest mining region in Europe. For centuries, the region was a major producer of silver, copper, lead, and zinc. These metals were extracted on a large scale, contributing significantly to the economic prosperity of the region and beyond.
However, mining activities in the Harz gradually declined throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The closure of the last active mine in 2007 marked the end of an era. The current resurgence of exploration interest, driven by Anglo American’s activities and scientific research, could potentially herald a new chapter in the Harz region’s mining history. The potential discovery and responsible development of new mineral resources could bring economic benefits to the region, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the broader European supply chain for critical raw materials.
The expansion of Anglo American’s exploration activities to include salt deposits in Southern Lower Saxony underscores the region’s geological complexity and resource potential. The combination of metal and salt exploration reflects a comprehensive approach to resource assessment and highlights the strategic importance of the region in the context of Europe’s broader efforts to secure access to critical raw materials. The exploration activities, coupled with ongoing scientific research, could pave the way for a revitalized mining sector in the Harz region, building upon its long and storied history while adhering to modern environmental and sustainability standards. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether these exploration efforts will ultimately lead to the development of new mines and the realization of the region’s resource potential.
