Clearer boundary for urban transformation in Kiruna

September 8, 2020
Kartor_Juni_2020_NY
The boundary for the urban transformation has been clarified

The boundary that was set in 2004 for the area that will be affected by future mining has now been redrawn based on new data and knowledge concerning LKAB’s ground displacements. An important difference is that the theoretical boundary no longer passes through the properties in question, but is now drawn between clear neighbourhood structures inside and outside of the affected zone. The forecast for urban transformation in the longer term is based on a number of factors which are as yet not known; among others, the extent of the mineralizations and future mining plans.

“It is always problematic to draw such theoretical forecast lines for the effects of mining at great depth that will take place decades into the future. However, based on updated data and new knowledge, we have clarified the boundary and done our best to enable LKAB to give property owners a more accurate indication,” says Michael Palo, Senior Vice President Business Area Iron Ore.

Revision of the boundary means that about 20 properties, both private and municipal, for example, the sports centre and the former Thulegården, are now outside the affected zone. These properties will not be affected by LKAB’s mining before 2035. At the same time, about another 20 properties near Luossavaara that were previously not affected now fall within the affected zone. Most of these are owned by LKAB. The buildings that will remain will stand in an attractive park setting, not beside an industrial-site fence.

“Naturally, our ambition is that mining should not have a greater impact on the community than is necessary,” says Stefan Hämäläinen, continuing,

“But we have to make it clear that urban transformation does not cease in 2035. It may in future be necessary to increase the rate of transformation as we gain new knowledge of the the extent of the orebody at greater depth. We realize that this entails a degree of uncertainty, but our most important contribution to an attractive Kiruna is to develop the future mining and minerals industry. The best guarantee for a sustainable society is to create jobs and secure welfare for future generations.”

For more information
Fredrik Björkenwall, acting Group Media Relations manager, +46 890 715 44, fredrik.bjorkenwall@lkab.com