Swedish state ore giant LKAB accounts for 80 percent of Europe’s iron ore – and a large part of the return from the state companies. This year, the state will thus receive just over SEK 4 billion in dividend.
On Thursday, the figures for the second quarter came. Operating profit dropped From close to SEK 2.7 billion to just under SEK 1.1 billion.
– It was a real set in both ore prices and exchange rates since last year, says CEO Jan Moström, who in the spring steps off as CEO after a decade.
Jan Moström, who grew up in the village of Norrlångträsk in Byske parish then celebrates 67 years.
But yet more people burn Major social issues on his desk.
First of all, he says, however, he will be able to do next week. Then Kiruna church will be moved to Kiruna’s new center. A world event where around 10,000 people are expected to follow the move that is paid for by LKAB. DN will also be in place.
How much does the church move cost?
– It’s so expensive so I don’t know if I really want to talk about it. But it is very expensive.
Jan Moström says after several questions from DN that he cannot say the exact sum but must return to it next week.
But for him and LKAB, one of the major future issues is a completely different one: any mining of rare earth metals in both Malmberget and Kiruna.
Everything is at its peak already in a couple of weeks.
On August 26, the main hearing will be initiated in Gällivare District Court for extended environmental permits in the Malmberg mine. The extraction of rare earth metals should also be treated and a demonstration plant for fossil -efficient iron fungus from hydrogen to replace fossil ore pellets is at stake.
The verdict is expected in mid -December. Jan Moström raises the voice of the voice as he emphasizes his view of the verdict.
-This judgment is terribly important even for the future Per Geijer deposit in Kiruna. Many of the legal issues handled in Malmberget will also be handled in Kiruna, says Jan Moström.
The so -called The Per Geijer deposit in Kiruna, named after the geology professor of the same name, is one of Europe’s largest. The levels are almost ten times higher than in Malmberget.
But the deposit is below the low knotty birch forest behind Luossavaara – exactly where Gabna Sami village’s last passage for the reindeer’s hike between Högfjället’s summer work and the forest land’s winter pasture is located.
Sweden has ratified four binding Conventions In the UN and the Council of Europe that the indigenous peoples should be allowed to conduct their culture, where traditional reindeer husbandry is an important part. This includes that the reindeer should be allowed to walk freely between summer and winter baits.
As DN written earlier This means a huge crash.
– Our basic view is that we can combine reindeer husbandry with mining, says Jan Moström.
But the Sami village believes that it is not possible. The reindeer passage goes on top of the per geijer deposit through a corridor that is not wider than a slalom hill.
– Yes, they think it is not possible, then the state has to judge this, says Jan Moström.
The Malmbanan, the worn single -track railway between Luleå and Narvik, is another big issue.
LKAB is simply dependent on the ore track to transport the ore for shipping in Narvik. LKAB has long requested double tracks between Kiruna and Narvik – without success.
– We are on absolute capacity roof with the ore track when it works, every disturbance means that we lose production, says Jan Moström.
Due to accidents On the Malmbanan last year, LKAB lost, according to the Government’s Business report for state companies, SEK 10 billion in profit due to missing deliveries. Otherwise expressed: A quarter of the profit was deleted.
Jan Moström is now talking about a tough summer with solar curves and lightning strikes that sometimes paralyzed the trains.
How important is double track between Kiruna and Narvik?
– Extremely important.
He says that future production of rare earth metals is based on greatly increased ore production that must come to Narvik.
When will it be double tracks?
– It is a matter for the Minister of Infrastructure. We have to find ways forward to increase capacity. It is crucial for LKAB.
But first, the church relocation should be passed – live in front of the world’s eyes.
– It’s important milestone for us too. It is a symbol of how the ore mining, society and the church can survive.
Do you usually go to church in Kiruna yourself?
– and.
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