Planning order update:
Letter to Ebba Busch, by Isak From, Member of Riksdag for the Social Democratic Party, which is the same party that Talga's Eva Nordmark served in - perhaps highlighting her strengths through her connections.
The stage is now set. A response to come by the 11th of September.
"WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER
2023/24:1100 Talga's Letter to the Government
The mining company Talga has submitted a request to the government for a planning directive because the municipality of Kiruna is delaying the approval of a detailed plan for the graphite mine in Vittangi. Talga wants to extract graphite, which is an important strategic raw material used for the production of anodes for lithium-ion batteries. The mining company is also now building the first facility for graphite anode material for batteries in Luleå.
The mining company emphasizes that it is their ambition to supply 16.2 percent of the EU's demand for natural graphite by 2030. They also plan to produce just over 10 percent of the EU's demand for anode material made from natural graphite during the same period. The company also argues that Europe's self-sufficiency in the critical raw material for batteries depends on this mine.
On the other hand, Kiruna municipality highlights that the burden on the municipality is significant due to housing shortages and weak municipal finances, not least because of the relocation of the city of Kiruna and other major investments in the municipality. Kiruna argues that only costs will come, and no new funds will be provided if the municipality now invests time and money in implementing a planning procedure for the planned mine in Vittangi.
Another reason for Kiruna municipality's opposition is that the tax the municipality can impose is a flat tax. Unlike the national tax, which is higher for high-income earners, all residents of the municipality must pay the same number of kronor per hundred kronor in municipal tax, regardless of how much they earn. But that's not the only problem. Many of those working in the mine do not pay any income tax at all, as they belong to the growing group working under a "fly in, fly out" arrangement, meaning not a single tax kronor goes to the municipality.
The mining company has made significant progress in the permit process but now lacks the necessary updated detailed plan.
A secure and sustainable supply of minerals and metals is essential to enable the green societal transformation, strengthen competitiveness, electrify Sweden, and enhance Swedish defense capabilities. More mines are needed to reduce Sweden's and the EU's dependence on raw materials from third countries. At the same time, acceptance for mines is needed, especially from mining municipalities and the local population, who now, with good reason, are tired of not receiving anything in return.
My question to the Minister of Energy and Industry, Ebba Busch, is: Does the minister and the government intend to take any initiatives in response to Talga's letter to the government?
From the Parliamentary Administration
2024-09-04
To be answered no later than
2024-09-11 at 12:00 PM"
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(20min delay)