Words by

Jóhannes Bjarkason

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The Reykjavík Grapevine

On December 9, Þorlákshöfn residents voted against the decision to grant a processing permit to the German company Heidelberg Materials, Vísir reports.

The company had planned to establish a gravel processing plant in the town, grinding down materials such as pumice, palagonite, and sand for export.

The referendum was initially postponed when the CEO of local aquaculture company First Water opposed the plant’s proximity to their operations. Ölfus municipality subsequently delayed the vote.

1.310 people cast their ballots, with 70.5% voting against the permit.

In a conversation with Vísir, Heidelberg Materials spokesperson Þorsteinn Víglundsson said the company will pursue other sites for their operations.