In January, Kaunis Iron was granted the right in the Land and Environment Court to continue mining iron ore in the mine in Kaunisvaara outside Pajala. However, the permit, which only extends to 2025, was limited in scope.
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency considered that the application should be rejected completely, but chose not to appeal the verdict even though it did not happen.
Since then, the company has applied for an extended permit, and also to expand operations.
Kaunis Iron wants to open two new open pits and also expand certain facilities in the mining area. During Thursday, the Land and Environmental Court will announce the verdict in the case.
Large employer in Pajala
— A new permit is a prerequisite for us to be able to continue mining. But it is in the new areas where we want to start mining that the large volumes are found, it sets up the business for 15–20 years to come, says Åsa Allan, vice president at Kaunis Iron.
Kaunis Iron had a turnover of close to SEK 3 billion last year and currently employs 550 people. This corresponds to approximately 20 percent of the working population in Pajala, according to Åsa Allan.
– I hope that there will be continued and long-term mining here in Tornedalen, it is extremely important not only for us but for Pajala municipality and for the region, she says.
However, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is critical of Kanuis Iron’s new application.
According to Karolina Ardesjö Lundén, head of unit at the authority’s environmental protection unit, the authority does not consider that the environmental impact statement is sufficient for the application to be examined.
Heavy truck every ten minutes
— The mine is located on bog of the highest nature value class. It is also close to watercourses that are Natura 2000 areas and close to the border river. We have reviewed the application carefully and believe it has extensive flaws, she says
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency also does not think that the company’s transport or water management descriptions are sufficient.
— The transports are also not consulted with those particularly affected, i.e. those who live nearby. Already today, there is a heavy truck on the road every ten minutes, says Karolina Ardesjö Lundén.