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Developing silica-rich cosmetic products at geothermal operations in the North of Iceland

Developing silica-rich cosmetic products at geothermal operations in the North of Iceland Geothermal area at Lake Myvatn, Iceland (source: flickr/ Bill Ward, creative commons)
Alexander Richter 10 May 2020

Icelandic national power company Landsvirkjun and newly established MýSilica are partnering on research, development and the production of silica-rich skin and cosmetic products, sourced from geothermal water, produced by Landsvirkjun‘s geothermal stations in the North of Iceland.

In a release in late April 2020, Icelandic national power company Landsvirkjun and MýSilica announced joining forces to support innovation and development in the Mývatn area

Landsvirkjun and MýSilica have signed a contract to research, develop and produce silica-rich skin and cosmetic products, sourced from geothermal water, produced by Landsvirkjun‘s geothermal stations in the North of Iceland. Landsvirkjun is developing a facility to support innovative and multi-use geothermal source projects and MýSilica will be the first company to use the facility.

The project will explore the extraction of mineral-rich and in particular, silica-rich raw materials from geothermal water produced by energy production. The material will subsequently be used to produce natural skincare products.

The contract is part of Landsvirkjun‘s drive to create more value from the multiple energy and material streams created by energy production. The project will improve the efficiency of natural resource utilisation, creating opportunities for local communities to develop innovative projects and revenue sources.

MýSilica is an innovative company specialising in the development, manufacture and marketing of skin care products. The MýSilica team has years of in-depth experience in the utilisation of natural resources and development of products, sourced from geothermal material streams.

“I was immediately captivated by the natural beauty of the landscape in the North of Iceland, especially the Mývatn area. We have identified various opportunities for the increased utilisation of natural resources through innovation and value creation, in harmony with nature. The project has been underway for some time and this marks an important milestone. We are grateful for the support we have received in the North of Iceland. We look forward to creating a valuable and powerful partnership with Landsvirkjun.”, so Fida Abu Libdeh, founder and CEO at MýSilica.

MýSilica is affiliated with GeoSilica, a company founded by Fida Abu Libdeh that successfully developed and now sells 100% natural Silica mineral supplements produced from geothermal water in Iceland.

“We are pleased to be involved in the development of start-up and innovation projects in the North of Iceland. We believe that the energy and material streams from our operations can provide exciting opportunities for innovators such as MýSilica. The company could become an important part of the economic cycle, supporting the growth of sustainable development and efficient resource utilisation.”, so Hörður Arnarson, CEO of Landsvirkjun.

Near Lake Mývatn are the Bjarnarflag and Krafla geothermal power plants, as well as the Mývatn Nature Baths, natural geothermal spa.

Source: Landsvirkjun