Fears Consequences for Billions in investments and major mining operations in northern Sweden
“Serious for the Swedish economy”
CEO Linda Nilsson at Nordbotniska Handelskammaren points out to High North News that the situation is not only serious for LKAB, but for both Northern Botten and the entire Swedish economy.
“In addition to the country’s construction industry, this will also affect the mining industry, infrastructure, ports, roads, railways, wind turbines and aircraft. In Northern Botnia, we are currently building what is expected to be Europe’s largest land-based wind turbine, Markbygden. Its foundation requires large amounts of cement and concrete. This investment alone covers approximately SEK 60 billion, ”emphasizes Nilsson.
She says that Northern Botnia is about to become an example for the world when it comes to climate change and the green shift. She points to, among other things, LKAB and other Swedish companies’ initiatives in green steel, fossil-free production and restructuring of the industry.
“We need cement and concrete for the green transition initiative,” she says, adding:
– This is not very problematic that we have around SEK 700 billion in investments in northern Bothnia. A halt in cement supply is serious for both societal development and climate change. ”
Nilsson believes that the government must review the environmental legislation that stops Cementa’s production.
– This is serious for the Swedish economy. We need an integrated approach and responsibility for the whole country. We should, of course, take into account the environment and the consequences in that area, but that is just one of several concerns. We should also consider social economic consequences and consider what will contribute to GDP, business and development in general. “
Applying for a shorter permit
Cementa writes in one press release that the company is currently working on the case. The company has divided its application in two and is working to find a short-term solution for raw material supply to the factory.
“We regret that the Supreme Court will not appeal to us, but we have also been prepared for this outcome. “, Says Karin Comstedt Webb, head of sustainability at Cementa.
According to the company, these measures include both an application for a short-term permit for mining operations that can be put in place more quickly, and an application for a long-term permit. “Such a permit is a prerequisite for the continued operation of the factory over time, and to ensure a safe and sustainable cement supply in Sweden, with the goal of delivering climate-neutral cement by 2030,” the company writes.
“On the side of our work on these applications, we are working to find and establish short-term solutions for raw material supply to the factory and thereby reduce the consequences of the expected shortage of cement that will exist in Sweden after next summer,” the press said. the release continues.