Work on new silicon plant under way

Cutting the ribbon.

Cutting the ribbon. Photo: Hafþór

The opening ceremony marking the commencement of work on a new silicon-metal plant near the town of Húsavík in North Iceland took place today.

Behind the project is PPC Bakki Silicon, represented at today’s ceremony by Waldemar Preussner.

Also present were Icelandic Prime Minister Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, Minister for Industry and Trade Ragnheiður Elín Árnadóttir, and Mayor of Norðurþing (the municipality containing Húsavík) Kristján Þór Magnússon.

The plant is scheduled to begin operations at the end of 2017.

Building work will cost an estimated ISK 40 billion (approx. €280 million) and will employ up to 400. The first stage of the project is predicted to create 120 long-term jobs.

As well as work on building the plant itself, the project includes port and road improvements.

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