Kiruna Church Relocation for LKAB Mine
Analysis based on 12 articles · First reported Aug 18, 2025 · Last updated Aug 19, 2025
The relocation of Sweden — Kiruna and its Kiruna Church, driven by LKAB's mine expansion, highlights the significant investment and long-term commitment to iron ore and rare earth element extraction in Sweden. The European Union's designation of the Per Geijer mine as a Strategic Project could positively impact LKAB and the broader European market by reducing reliance on China for critical rare earth elements.
The Kiruna Church, a 113-year-old wooden structure, is being relocated 5 kilometers east as part of the larger town of Sweden — Kiruna's move. This monumental undertaking is necessary due to ground subsidence caused by the expansion of the Sweden — Kiruna mine, operated by state-owned LKAB. The relocation project, which began in 2004, involves moving thousands of people and buildings to a new city center. LKAB is also planning a new mine, Per Geijer, which holds significant deposits of rare earth elements. The European Union has designated Per Geijer as a Strategic Project to secure critical raw materials and reduce dependence on China. While the move is a spectacle, the Sámi people have expressed concerns about the impact of new mining plans on their traditional reindeer herding livelihoods.
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