[5] The first excavations in Maamorilik took place from 1938, possibly earlier, with operations continuing until 1945,[6] and again from 1973 to 25 July 1990[7] when the mine was closed.

[3] In 2008[7] the government of Greenland decided to reinvigorate mining activities in Maamorilik, aiming to provide an economic lifeline to the communities of the Uummannaq region,[8] keeping the relatively new Qaarsut Airport open.

[9] Proceeds from mineral resources exploitation will provide Greenland with a counterbalance to the lump-sum subsidies from Denmark.

[4] The mine is due to reopen in 2013,[needs update][10] with zinc and iron ore reserves expected to last for 50 years.

As in the 1970s,[13] supplies for the mine reconstruction are carried out via Air Greenland charter flights, now operated with the Bell 212 helicopter stationed in Uummannaq Heliport, 42 km (26 mi) away.