TLG - Media, page-11312

Fantastic news. Kaunis Iron's expansion request for two new open pits was still approved by the court despite the CAB, Environmental Protection Agency, Marine and Water Authority and Sami all wanting the request to be rejected. Compare this total disapproval across the board to what Talga received:

"Importantly, the regional government authority Norrbotten County Administrative Board (“CAB”) stated in its submission that closure risks, as well as impacts on reindeer herding and water quality could be successfully managed, and that the Project’s environmental permit could be approved with appropriate conditions.

In addition, the CAB stated that a Natura 2000 permit can be granted for the Project. Further, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management have advised that, following prior consultations throughout the process, they will not be making further submissions. The Swedish Transport Administration has stated that their earlier information requests have been appropriately responded to."

What's also encouraging is that this was for an iron ore mine that has a massive footprint and annual quantities far greater than anything Talga will extract, even at full expansion. They too faced the same Sami reindeer herding issues. To top it all off iron ore, unlike graphite, is not considered a critical raw material - in fact Sweden is Europe's largest producer of iron ore by a large margin. If the court was to fold due to the pressures from the Sami and these other governmental agencies, you would think that this would be a likely case. The fact that this did not happen and that continued mining has been approved shows to me a positive change in mindset regarding mining has occurred in Sweden.