Talga AB will enable the world's most durable batteries and consumer products. They want to do this by mining up to 120,000 tons of graphite ore annually in open pits at Nunasvaara Södra. Talga AB received an environmental permit for the mine in April and is now it and the battery anode factory in Luleå a big step closer to production.
The graphite deposit differs from the quantity mainly on one important point: the graphite ore has an average content of 24 percent, which makes it one of the world's best from a quality perspective.
Talga AB's battery anode, which uses natural graphite from Nunasvaara Södra, has a very low carbon dioxide emission compared to traditionally produced synthetic graphite anodes. These are made from fossil coal, needle coke and other fossil energy. Carbon dioxide emissions for Talga AB's product will therefore be more than 90 percent lower.
Liz Asplund is operations coordinator in Kiruna for Talga AB. The company just received a positive decision in the Land and Environment Court. What does that mean?
- The court has now examined all the technical investigations, that is, how the environmental performance of the mine will be, and then issued a positive statement. This means that they have found that we meet all the high demands set by Swedish environmental legislation. They have also weighed the opinions of various stakeholders about what the land should be used for and have come to the conclusion that our business can coexist with reindeer husbandry and have an acceptable environmental impact.
Who actually reviews your material before making a decision?
- All relevant authorities - the County Administrative Board, which has approved our activities, but also the Environmental Protection Agency, the Norwegian Maritime and Water Authority, the Swedish Geological Survey and others. It is very unusual for authorities to have no objections to newly started mines, perhaps because this is a very small mine compared to most others in Sweden.
Why should graphite be mined in Vittangi?
- The Vittangi graphite has unique properties that make it very suitable for the production of graphite anodes for batteries. It is fantastic that the different deposits of the Ore Fields are of such high quality and now we also have one of the world's best graphite deposits here. If we humans are to continue to develop, but also maintain our standard of living, at the same time we need to switch to fossil-free electricity, graphite is absolutely crucial.
People in Sweden today have a divided view of new mines, why is that?
- Sweden has a rigorous regulatory framework for new establishments and tough environmental legislation, which means that mining companies need to submit extensive documentation that qualified authorities study very carefully, case by case. Now the Land and Environmental Court has made a decision which says yes to our planned mining. It is difficult to form an opinion without in-depth knowledge and we have an important task in communicating diligently and clearly. It is a recurring point of view that we have taken to heart.
What will Talga AB contribute to Kiruna municipality?
- 50 new jobs and a profitable company that makes a profit and takes responsibility for people and the environment. 50 new jobs usually generate around 30 – 40 new households that need housing and community services. We want to work for Vittangi to develop and we want to avoid fly-in-fly-out. It is not good for either party.
Why do you think Kiruna's growth is important?
- Good and profitable companies are important components in building society. If there are no good companies, we will not have any prosperity in society either. Therefore, it is important that Talga is involved in the project and contributes to Kiruna growing into a strong and positive force.
According to Talga AB, what is the most important issue Kiruna grows to drive?
- What will be decisive - recruiting the skills and increased housing construction. People also often talk about moving in, but that is not the whole solution. Those who already live and work here need to feel comfortable and feel that Kiruna Municipality is a good place to live and they should very much like to feel extra attracted to Talga as an employer. We believe that the whole compote is important and it is a big work that will have to take its time."
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