An Entire Arctic Town Is Being Moved in Europe’s Minerals Expansion

Group 1 - The relocation of the Kiruna Church is part of a long-term project by LKAB to move the entire town of Kiruna to facilitate iron ore mining expansion and access newly discovered rare earth deposits [2][3] - LKAB has been mining iron ore in Kiruna since the early 20th century, with the Kiirunavaara mine being the largest underground iron ore mine globally [5] - In 2023, LKAB identified significant deposits of rare earth elements in the Kiruna area, exceeding 1 million tons of rare earth oxides, marking it as the largest known deposit in Europe [6][7] Group 2 - Approximately 90% of Kiruna's residents have opted for new housing as part of the relocation process, which is expected to take over a decade to complete [3] - The mining industry is crucial for Kiruna's economy, with local leaders acknowledging the necessity of relocating due to dependence on mining [4] - The newly discovered rare earth deposits are seen as essential for the green transition, addressing supply challenges for critical raw materials needed for electric vehicles [7]