#Sweden #Boliden #EU #Nautanen #Norrbotten

Boliden's Ambitious Proposal for Nautanen

In a significant move for the European mining industry, Boliden has officially applied to the European Commission for the designation of the Nautanen copper deposit as a strategic project under the Critical Raw Materials Act. This initiative aligns with Europe's objectives to enhance its domestic supply of essential raw materials, particularly as the continent aims for a sustainable green transition.

Location and Potential

The Nautanen deposit is strategically situated in central Norrbotten, approximately 15 kilometers northwest of the existing Aitik copper mine, one of Boliden's flagship operations. Preliminary studies and exploration activities have indicated there is considerable potential for developing an underground mine at Nautanen, which could serve as a satellite operation to Aitik. The plan facilitates the utilization of existing infrastructure, including the processing mill and tailings facilities, which will minimize the environmental impact typically associated with mining operations.

Investment and Sustainability

Stefan Romedahl, President of Boliden Mines, emphasized the strategic value of the Nautanen project, stating, "The Nautanen project will increase domestic supply of sustainable copper within the EU. Sustainably extracted copper holds critical importance for the green transition in Europe." This is in alignment with EU policies promoting sustainable practices in resource extraction to meet environmentally friendly standards.

The proposed project aims for an annual production capacity of approximately 2 to 3 million tonnes of copper over an estimated mine life of around 20 years. The feasibility studies currently underway are essential to ascertain the project's viability and to define the final operational parameters. Depending on permitting processes, which are still ongoing, Boliden anticipates initiating production in the early 2030s.

Regulatory Process and Next Steps

The European Commission is expected to announce the results of its assessment regarding the applications for strategic project status during the second quarter of 2026. Boliden is keenly awaiting this outcome, as it will play a pivotal role in determining the future trajectory of the Nautanen development. If approved, this designation is likely to streamline regulatory processes and confirm the project's importance in bolstering Europe's raw material supply chain.

Conclusion

In pursuing the designation for the Nautanen deposit, Boliden is not only looking to enhance its operational capabilities but is also contributing significantly to Europe's ambition of achieving a sustainable and self-reliant supply of critical raw materials. The mining industry stands at a crucial juncture that could redefine how natural resources are harnessed in the context of environmental sustainability, and Boliden's Nautanen project is poised to lead the way in this transformation.

For further inquiries or more information regarding this exciting development, interested parties can reach out to Klas Nilsson, Director of Group Communications at Boliden. The contact details are as follows: +46 70 453 65 88. Additionally, further updates and detailed reports will be communicated as the project progresses towards realization.