Kaunis Iron is granted permission to continue its mining
On Tuesday, the Land and Environmental Court announced with the announcement that Kaunis Iron may continue its existing operations in Pajala and to expand operations at the mines Tapuli, Palotieva and Sahavaara.
A long -awaited message according to Hans Djurberg, sustainability manager at Kaunis Iron. The ore in the current mine has been estimated to end at the end of 2027.
– Regardless of the outcome in court now, we had continued to work to obtain such a permit. It had not been the end for us, but the road there had gotten anymore, says Hans Djurberg.
Kaunis Iron’s mining operations Has received criticism from several directions. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has previously criticized that the mine risks seriously affecting natural values and can have consequences on the environment.
Gabna Sami village has been critical of the mining business, which they believe has a negative impact on the reindeer industry. In the judgment, the Land and Environmental Court finds that the increased mining operations will make it difficult for reindeer husbandry in Gabna Sami village, for example by reducing access to grazing areas.
However, the Court considers that the social benefits for the mining operations consider the negative effects.
Hans Djurberg says that they had the hope of obtaining an enforcement order included in the judgment, which had made it possible to prepare the work for the opening of new mines. Now they may wait for any appeals to the Supreme Court.
– It is likely that a statutory judgment can be expected at the end of the year, before that we cannot use the land. It is the smug in the joy cup, says Hans Djurberg.
Earlier this year, some 40 people were notified at Kauni’s Iron due to an adaptation of the mining operations and thus a reduction in production.
– We live in a time with great uncertainty as a result, so it is for the entire mining industry. But we see that the demand for European iron ore will be good in the long term.
