A group of pioneers have revisited an age-old method in using geothermal heat for making salt in a recently-founded salt production company on Reykjanes by the fjord Ísafjardardjúp in the West Fjords.
Salt from Saltverk Reykjaness. Courtesy of the company.
“It is the most environmentally friendly method for salt-making because others use gas or firewood,” explained Gardar Stefánsson, one of the owners of Saltverk Reykjaness, to Fréttabladid.
The idea started when he and his associate read Lýdur Björnsson’s account of a salt factory on Reykjanes in the 18th century where geothermal heat was used for that purpose for the first time.
“We decided to bring back salt production in this place and use the same method in making crystal sea salt,” Stefánsson said, adding he is certain it’s the only company in the world that uses this method for salt-making.
The company’s goal is to place the first products on the market in September and its operators believe they can produce up to 20 tons of salt per year which, according to their estimate, might keep up with the entire demand of the Icelandic market.
ESA
