Ölfus excludes Marine Research Institute from community meeting on Heidelberg factory proposal

The municipality of Ölfus has declined to include the Marine Research Institute (Hafrannsóknarstofnun) in a community meeting regarding the proposed Heidelberg factory. Initially, the municipality had invited the institute, but retracted this due to claims that the agenda had become “full,” leaving no room for Hafró. Despite Hafró expressing its willingness to participate, the representative from Ölfus did not accept this offer, communicating through an email from the municipal domain.

Hafró has previously opposed larger-scale seabed operations necessary for the factory since the majority of the materials needed will be sourced from marine mining near Landeyjar. Earlier this year, tensions arose when Heidelberg attempted to prevent Hafró from attending another community meeting organized by the minority party in Ölfus.

Residents and local council members have criticized the municipality for failing to invite public institutions, such as Hafró, to engage in discussions about the factory. Instead, they contend that a large corporation has been allowed to dominate the public discourse through one-sided community meetings.

Currently, a referendum is underway in Ölfus concerning the factory, with opinions sharply divided. A recent meeting highlighted these divisions, with some attendees appreciating the information shared, while others dismissed it as mere “window dressing” catering to Heidelberg’s agenda.

While discussions about the environmental impact of the factory continue, officials emphasize that all relevant information is publicly accessible, and the proceedings surrounding the material extraction permits are ongoing and regulated by law.