Sweden clears Boliden's Laver copper mine, pending court review
Sweden approves Boliden's Laver copper mine, a project that could double national output and boost EU supply by 10%.
The Swedish government has approved Boliden's copper mine project at Laver in the country's north, marking a significant step forward for the venture. The decision, announced on Wednesday, still requires clearance from Sweden's Land and Environment Court before extraction can begin.
The project holds strategic importance for both Sweden and the wider European Union. According to the government, mining the Laver deposit could double Sweden's current copper production and increase the EU's total output by 10%. Officials also highlighted the project's role in reducing Europe's dependence on copper imports, which they described as a dangerous vulnerability.
The mineralisation at Laver, located near an older mine, was first discovered by Boliden in 2007. The company's initial application for a mining concession in 2014 was rejected, but it submitted a fresh application in 2024. While the Mining Inspectorate had already approved the project last year, that decision was appealed, ultimately landing with the government for a final ruling.