Sweden grants permit for key lime quarry, which prevents …
STOCKHOLM, November 18 (Reuters) – Sweden will allow Cementa to quarry limestone in its quarry on Gotland until the end of next year, which is currently a threat to the construction industry due to lack of building materials.
The government overruled an environmental court that in July refused permission for the company, which is owned by the giant HeidelbergCement, to continue quarrying limestone, a key ingredient in cement, in its quarry in Slite after 31 October.
“The looming cement crisis has been averted and we can avoid serious societal consequences for housing construction, infrastructure and industry,” Infrastructure Minister Ibrahim Baylan said at a news conference.
A government report warned that 150,000 jobs could be at risk if the construction sector stops, while imports of cement could lead to increased CO2 emissions.
Construction accounts for about 11% of GDP, according to the Swedish Construction Association. (Reportage by Johan Ahlander; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
Our standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.