2023-08-07 08:34:05
Building by building, this is how the Swedish city of Kiruna is planned to be relocated, very close to the Arctic. The move will take place to a new site about three kilometers away. This is not a new project, but in recent years it has been aggravated by the largest and most modern underground iron ore mine in the world.
The curious process will be a challenge for the inhabitants. However, it is an opportunity for innovation and for the environment of the Scandinavian country.
The largest rare earth mine in Europe: what does it mean?
Sweden has discovered what could be the largest rare earth mine in Europe. The discovery was made right next to the Kiruna iron ore mine and, according to mining company LKAB, the mine will contain some 585m tonnes of ore, with at least one million tonnes of praseodymium or neodymium oxides. These are essential for the production of the materials needed to make electric vehicles.
In a press release, Swedish Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry, Ebba Busch, He declared that “electrification, the self-sufficiency of the EU and the independence of Russia and China will start at the mine.”
The exploitation of the rare earth mine will not be immediate and could take between 10 and 15 years. However, it could mean progress for Sweden, which is still taking some of the biggest steps in the EU’s energy transition. The rare earth deposit can be used for the production of wind turbineswhich are also vital in the sustainability measures promoted on the continent.
The Swedish city of Kiruna, with a new location
“Created” some 125 years ago to house the employees of the industrial complex, the Swedish city of Kiruna has been on everyone’s lips lately.
The reason? Due to the discovery of rare earths, the city will be moved building by building, wall by wall. This is precisely what will happen to the local Lutheran church, a monument erected in 1912 in a move that is generating some curiosity among the community. Despite the need to preserve their tradition, residents hope that the new town of Kiruna will have more pedestrian areas and easy access to nature for outdoor activities.
In total, some 450,000 square meters (m2) of residential, public, commercial and leisure buildings will be operational by 2035. The work is long, considering that Kiruna has 23,000 inhabitants spread over 20,000 square kilometers (similar to the entire surface of Slovenia). In addition, there are 6,000 lakes, seven rivers and forests that continue to attract many tourists and must be preserved.
The example of Sweden in the energy transition
Nueva Kiruna is designed to pay special attention to the environment, with more efficient buildings and a series of sustainable mobility solutions.
This is just one of Sweden’s great challenges in creating energy communities committed to making a difference and reducing environmental impact. The country is even exemplary when it comes to energy transition, sustainability and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
By 2030, Sweden expects to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from transport by 70%. In addition, investments in hydropower and other renewable energy sources have helped reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In addition to all these initiatives, battery manufacturer Northvolt has committed to producing batteries with at least 50% recycled materials by 2030.
What is the use of rare earths in Europe?
Despite Sweden’s breakthrough, most European countries are still dependent on Beijing for rare earth materials. These are essential in the production of electronic devices, household appliances, nanotechnology, lighting, liquid crystal displays, smartphones, etc.
China currently supplies 95% of the magnets used by the EU, although the country’s rare earth mining practices are being criticized for causing increased air and water pollution.
Deposits of rare earths are believed to exist in several European countries, especially in Scandinavian countries. Even so, exploitation remains an obstacle given the costs of operations related to extraction.
However, the discovery of the largest rare earth mine in Sweden is expected to change the landscape as soon as possible and encourage the continent to find a positive future in the face of the current climate crisis.
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