Ivigtut

Ivigtut is a small settlement on the southwestern coast of Greenland, situated along the Arsuk Fjord. It is best known for the nearby Ivigtut cryolite mine, one of the few natural sources of the mineral cryolite (sodium aluminum fluoride, Na3AlF6), which historically served as a crucial flux in aluminum production.

Cryolite from Ivigtut played a central role in the early to mid-20th century aluminum industry by enabling more efficient smelting. Mining at Ivigtut began in the late 19th century and the site developed into a mining town that supplied a large share of the world’s cryolite for about a century. The ore’s importance declined with the advent of synthetic cryolite and changes in metallurgical processes, and mining ceased in 1987.

Since the closure, the population of Ivigtut has declined and the town is largely described as abandoned or sparsely inhabited. The mine area remains of historical and geological interest, but safety concerns regarding old tunnels and underground structures limit access. Researchers and, on occasion, guided visitors may access parts of the site under supervision.

Geographically, Ivigtut’s Arctic location features cold winters and maritime-influenced summers, with sea ice common in winter. The settlement is remote and accessed mainly by sea or air, reflecting Greenland’s rugged landscape and sparse population distribution. The Ivigtut cryolite deposit remains a notable chapter in the history of mining and the global aluminum industry.