Norrbotten Region welcomes environmental permit for Kaunis Iron

Kaunis Iron in Pajala receives its new, expanded environmental permit. The decision of the Land and Environmental Court of Appeal, which came today, went in the company's direction. This allows Kaunis Iron to expand its mining operations.

– Region Norrbotten welcomes today's announcement. The ruling strengthens the county's role in the industrial transition and contributes to Sweden's and Europe's strategic independence. For Pajala, it means confidence in the future and continued employment opportunities, says Johannes Sundelin (S), chairman of the regional development committee, in a comment.

The previous permit decision had been appealed by both the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation and the River Rescuers, as well as Gabna Sameby. The appeal was based on concerns about the reindeer husbandry and the impact on groundwater and the Torne River.

The environmental permit covers the open pit mine in Tapuli, the enrichment plant in Kaunisvaara and two new open pit mines in Sahavaara and Palotieva. The ruling thus confirms the permit granted by the Land and Environment Court at Umeå District Court in 2023.

– Now it is crucial that the conditions of the reindeer industry are taken into account and that environmental requirements are complied with, so that the mining industry and other industries can coexist in a sustainable way, says Sundelin.

Lift the importance of mining

Region Norrbotten has no part in the environmental assessment and has not been a reference body. However, the Region has, based on its responsibility for Norrbotten's regional development, submitted a statement to the court. In it, Region Norrbotten has, among other things, highlighted the importance of the mine for localities that have previously been hit hard by depopulation and a lack of jobs.

– The importance of the mine and the jobs it provides to Pajala Municipality is great. Many in the local population have been eagerly awaiting the announcement. It feels good that it has now been properly tested. There are now conditions to work sustainably with both mining and social development, says Linda Jonsson (V), regional councilor with responsibility for sustainability issues and member of the municipal board in Pajala.

90 percent of all iron ore produced in Europe comes from Norrbotten. In a time of great geopolitical uncertainty, it is important that the EU can secure its own access to iron ore as much as possible. The mine in Pajala is an important piece of the puzzle, says Region Norrbotten.

Read the judgment on the Land and Environmental Court of Appeal's website.