I'm an ex-pat Aussie living in Luleå, Sweden. I've known about Talga's operations up here since around 2011. I have previously worked for a company subcontracting to LKAB in Kiruna.
I did some work the other day at SSAB in Luleå where Talga has a warehouse facility and it got me thinking about the company so I thought I'd pop in to HC and see what is happening.
I decided to post here after reading Talga's ASX ann. The ann omitted a number of facts which Talga have decided not to include... make of that what you will.
I read an article (above)in the local newspaper NSD about Talga's positive probability of mining permit approval,(I'll include a pic you can google translate if you wish) however many demands were required by Norrbottens Länsstyrelsen / County Administrative Board (CAB).
Specifically 4 major requirements regarding the following:
* Economic assurance that Talga will reinstate and resore the environment after mining. Talga have proposed a provisional sum of 225 M SEK. CAB has requested Talga provides a provision of 400M SEK. A shortfall of 175 M SEK or approx $27 M AUD.
* Reindeer herding - Talga must abide to laws regarding reindeer herding of the indigenous sami folk. Pretty standard stuff for up here but requires that talga can only mine for half of the year and must close down for the winter half of the year and that noise pollution, light and dust are kept to acceptable levels. This is to be reviewed yearly by the 2 Sami councils that use the area.
*Water pollution - The lake on site (Hosiojärvi) is not included in the Torne river natura 2000 area, but the 2 streams that run from the lake to the Torne river are and therfore affected by the natura 2000 area. CAB has required Talga to treat all discharge water and submitt accurate levels of contaminants relating specifically to elements expected to increase by the enrichment process, Sulphates, calcium, chloride, phosphorous, nitrogen and trace metals copper, zinc and nickel. Talga has applied to postpone the probationary test period but this application was denied by CAB
*Disturbance - dust and vibration from explosions, equipment and crushing machinery. CAB have also required Talga build a secondary crushing plant housed in an insulated building to reduce noise. CAB have also required Talga to prove there will be minimal disturbance to native wildlife.
The following is translated directly from the Länsstyrelsen Norrbotten(CAB) website:
https://www.lansstyrelsen.se/norrbotten/om-oss/nyheter-och-press/nyheter---norrbotten/2022-06-17-aktuella-tillstandsprocesser-i-lanet.htmlTalga - Statement on additions regarding the application for an environmental permit
Talga AB has submitted an application for an environmental permit for mining operations for mining and beneficiation of graphite at Nunasvaara Södra in Kiruna municipality.
The County Administrative Board has commented on the matter based on the company's application and environmental impact statement. That is, if we believe that the activity can be permitted.
The County Administrative Board sees that the activity can be permitted, but that certain parts of the company's application need to be supplemented before examination. It concerns, among other things, the interests of reindeer husbandry in the area, the release of certain substances into water and financial security for finishing the area.
What happens now?
In the autumn (Sept 20), a site inspection is planned in the area around Nunasvaara. Then more opinions can come forth and then the main hearing takes place in the Land and Environment Court.
End of Translation.
Most important is this 24 page PDF document. A statement from CAB to The Land & Environment Court which outlines what CAB have requested from Talga to progress the application for the permit. If anyone is interested here is a link you can translate and read:
https://www.lansstyrelsen.se/download/18.730f76c418120ef39f92a013/1655451904070/Yttrande%20i%20m%C3%A5l%20nr%20M%201573-2020%20-%20ans%C3%B6kan%20om%20tillst%C3%A5nd%20f%C3%B6r%20graf%C3%ADtgruva%20vid%20Nunasvaara%20i%20Kiruna%20Kommun(20802453)%20(0)_TMP.pdf
So in conclusion, GLTAH I hope it gets approval and goes ahead and you all make a motza but be prepared to wait. I have no idea about Talga's strategy going ahead regarding a cap raise etc .
But I will tell you one thing I know, The Swedish government has stated that it is positive to mining for renewable energy and EV batteries, fossil free steel production etc. The plan is to make the region in to a hub for sustainable mining and energy and setting a global standard in sustainability . The Swedes have been on a crusade to save the planet for quite a long time now. Which is why I believe that this mine will eventually go ahead but there will be significant environmental requirements.
Cheers all.
(20min delay)