MINEX Forum

Tag: AKBN

  • Fushe-Kruja, authorities have decided to block the activity of “Delia Group” entity’s quarry

    Fushe-Kruja, authorities have decided to block the activity of “Delia Group” entity’s quarry

    [vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][distance desktop_type=”30″][lvs][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_btn title=”Source – albaniandailynews.com” color=”sky” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-perm_device_information” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Falbaniandailynews.com%2Fnews%2Fkruja-ex-mp-s-quarry-blocked-after-serious-conflict-|target:_blank”][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_column_text]Few days after the macabre violence between two tribes in Borizana in Fushe-Kruja, authorities have decided to block the activity of “Delia Group” entity’s quarry.

    This decision was taken after the inspection made by the State Police in cooperation with AKBN and AKSEM.

    In addition, nine homes were inspected, which are suspected to have been damaged by the activity of this quarry.

    Two of the people who committed violence are Jelal and Peparim Rraja, brothers of MP Rrahman Rraja.

    They attacked cousins Bilbil and Jashar Maja, with sticks and guns, helped by other people.

    They were hit several times until one of them, Bilbil Maja, lost consciousness due to physical violence.

    This event brought about many other developments, as Prime Minister Edi Rama decided to dismiss the Minister of the Interior, Bledi Cuci, while Rrahman Rraja renounced the mandate of the deputy, calling on his son to surrender.

    So far, eight people have been arrested for the violence against Bilbin and Jashar Maja.

    “Structures of the Local Directorate of the Tirana Police, supported by the structures of the General Directorate of the State Police, in cooperation with the National Agency of Natural Resources and the National Authority for Safety and Emergencies in Mines, exercised control in the quarry entity “Delia Group”, with administrator citizen V. D., located about 300 meters above the village of Borizane, Thumane Administrative Unit, Kruje Municipality.

    After the inspection of the surface where the activity of the quarry is carried out, as well as its documentation, it was decided to block the subject until the preparation of the documentation and its assessment, by AKBN and AKSEM.

    In addition to the inspection of this quarry, 9 (nine) apartments were inspected, which are suspected to have been damaged by the activity of this quarry. During the inspection, specialists from the National Agency of Natural Resources also participated, who made the measurements to determine the distance between the quarries and the houses under inspection.

    The procedural acts compiled will be referred to the Prosecutor’s Office at the Court of First Instance of the General Jurisdiction in Tirana, as part of the previously referred materials, for the event dated 05.02.2023″, announced the police.[/vc_column_text][distance desktop_type=”30″][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]

  • Study examines the geothermal resource potential of Albania

    Study examines the geothermal resource potential of Albania

    [vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][distance desktop_type=”30″][lvs][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_btn title=”Source – Think Geoenergy” color=”sky” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-perm_device_information” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thinkgeoenergy.com%2Fstudy-examines-the-geothermal-resource-potential-of-albania%2F|target:_blank”][distance desktop_type=”30″][vc_column_text]Experts and decision-makers from Albania and several other countries recently convened for  a workshop of the just transition of mining communities and the potential for geothermal energy development in Albania. The event was organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and hosted by the National Agency of Natural Resources of Albania (AKBN).

    As part of the event, a study on the geothermal resources assessment of Albania done by Nevton Kodhelaj from the Polytechnic University of Tirana was presented and discussed. The full report can be accessed via this link.

    Geothermal regions in Albania

    Albania has three major geothermal regions:

    The Kruja geothermal zone extends over 180 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea in the North to the south-eastern area of Albania, all the way to the Konitza area in Greece. The aquifer here is characterized as a karstified neritic carbonate formation with numerous fissures. There are seven hot spring groups connected along the main regional tectonics of the Kruja zone.

    Three boreholes have been drilled in the Kruja zone and have been shown to produce hot, mineralized water. Wellhead temperatures in the Tirana-Elbasani zone vary from 60 – 65.5°C. The temperature at the top of the aquifer reaches 80°C in the Kozani-8 borehole.

    The Ardenica geothermal zone is located in the coastal area of Albania within the Pre-Adriatic Depression and intercepted by the Vlora-Elbasan-Dibra transversal fault. At least six boreholes have been drilled in this region, intersecting different structures. At the surface, the boreholes discharge waters at temperatures of 32-67°C. Hot water flows into these boreholes from feed zones ranging from depths of 1200 meters (Ard – 3) to 2425 meters (Bub-5).

    The Peshkopia geothermal zone is located in the Northeast of Albania, in the Korabi hydrogeologic zone. At a distance of two kilometers east of Peshkopia, water at 43.5°C flows out of a group of thermal springs on a river slope. In the riverbed, outcrops of anhydrides and gypsum are located, also with a big yield of cold mineralized water springs.

    Potential for direct-use applications

    Given the characteristics of the geothermal resources in Albania, direct-use applications have been proposed. For the Llixha Elbasan hot springs, the study provides a model for the development of a district heating system.

    For the Kozani-8 borehole, a system that allows for cascaded use has been proposed. This is made more feasible by the location of the borehole within a village. Thus, a recreational center with a spa, indoor pools, and fitness center is considered to be a viable application. Heat from the geothermal fluids is also envisioned to facilitate the development of a greenhouse and pools for aquaculture.

    In the Benja region, eight springs release mineralized water at temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius. This is not very hot but can still offer economic value. Based on the calculations presented by the study, the waters can provide competitive energy for greenhouses, aquaculture, and mineral salts extraction.

    Application of UNFC standards

    An important part of the geothermal assessment study of Albania is the application of the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) and the United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS) on the country’s geothermal resources. The adoption of such standards paves the way for an integrated management of resources based on globally established and applicable standards.

    The study advises adherence to the guidelines in establishing suitable geological models of geothermal aquifers, and to perform comprehensive assessments to evaluate their potential for further development. In addition, the study highlights that conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) studies and consulting with stakeholders is crucial for the project’s socio-economic feasibility. The document concludes that to further advance geothermal utilization in Albania, efforts can be made to improve capacity, transfer technology, and disseminate knowledge.

    Experts representing the Central American Integration System (SICA) provided inputs on the application of UNFC for geothermal energy, with specific case studies from El Salvador and Costa Rica.

    Source: UNECE (1 and 2)[/vc_column_text][distance desktop_type=”30″][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]