Mining in Sweden

The Baltic Shield has the oldest rock in Europe, and is one of the largest and most active mining areas on the European continent.

[6] It was the source of the pigment falu red that painted castles, churches and cottages still seen throughout Sweden.

[citation needed] In the Bronze Age, most copper used in Europe originated in places such as Sicily and Iberia and the Levant.

The largest industrial work place in Sweden, at its peak in 1650 the mine produced as much as three kilotons of raw copper in that one year.

[13][14][15] It was also clear the Swedish iron-smelters were connected to major iron markets outside Sweden, where they also influenced osmund production sold by merchants from the Hanseatic League.

[26][27][28] As of 2021[update] the Swedish government intends to expand and strengthen Sweden's position as a mining nation.

The region is used by the Sámi community Jåhkågasska tjiellde for reindeer herding, as it is part of the natural migration route and they graze there all year round.

When drilling started in 2013, an anti-mine movement developed consisting of environmental activists and the Sámi community.

The nearby town of Kiruna would be endangered, however, if iron ore is extracted beneath it, which would cause instability in soil and building foundations.

In order to resolve this problem, the mining company LKAB plans to move the entire town with its 18,000 people 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) to the east.