Kiruna Municipality and LKAB present way forward for continued urban transformation
Kiruna Municipality has now identified potential land areas needed for the continued urban transformation. At the same time, LKAB has developed a phased plan for the expanded area affected by mining operations. Compensation principles have been further refined, and a new aspect is that all property owners and condominium holders who choose monetary compensation instead of a new home will also be offered a rental apartment within LKAB Fastigheter’s property portfolio.
“LKAB and the municipality are mutually dependent on each other, and it’s positive that we can stand side by side and talk about the process at this very early stage, even though we still lack the involvement of the state in this. At this point, it’s too early to say exactly how the city will develop, but I am confident that Kiruna will remain strong today, tomorrow, and in the future,” says Mats Taaveniku, Chairman of the Municipal Council in Kiruna.
“We understand that the new deformation forecast presents a challenge for the municipality and the residents of Kiruna. Together with the municipality, we are working to create the best possible solutions for those living in the affected area. Our ambition is that the end result will not just be equally good—but better,” says Stefan Hämäläinen, Senior Vice President Community Development at LKAB.
Kiruna Municipality has been working to identify potential land and development areas for the continued urban transformation. However, the majority of the land that is needed is owned by the state and involves various national interests, which means that dialogue regarding access to buildable land must continue.
“We still face challenges that neither the municipality nor LKAB can solve alone; that’s why we need support from the state. There are five critical areas where state action is necessary: land, housing, skills provision, cohesive urban design, and depreciation costs. Otherwise, we will have significantly greater issues to deal with,” says Mats Taaveniku.
LKAB is now also presenting a phased plan and prioritization for the areas affected and due for acquisition. The first area is around the school Triangelskolan. Relocation is not expected within the next few years, and the timing will depend on access to buildable land.
LKAB will offer all those who need to move from permanent housing the opportunity to obtain a new home. Anyone choosing to sell their current house or condominium to LKAB (for market value + 25 percent) will also be offered a rental apartment via LKAB’s own real estate subsidiary. In addition, homeowners who opt for a new house but prefer a smaller one will be given the opportunity to do so, with LKAB covering the difference in cost. For current tenants, LKAB intends to begin dialogue with the Swedish Union of Tenants (Hyresgästföreningen) to find a good solution going forward.
“We want to do what we can to encourage people to stay in the municipality, and this will hopefully give the people of Kiruna better conditions for planning their future. Our goal is to offer those who need to relocate the opportunity to choose between different types of compensation solutions,” says Stefan Hämäläinen.
The extensive work of engaging in dialogue with Kiruna residents now continues in order to plan and manage the ongoing community transformation. As a first step, LKAB has invited all those who need to move to meetings to share information and listen to feedback.
Read more about the continued urban transformation, development areas, and compensation principles: https://lkab.com/en/home/community-development/
For more information, please contact:
Ulrika Huhtaniska, press officer LKAB
phone: +46 70 268 3992, e-mail: ulrika.huhtaniska@lkab.com
Media on-call service LKAB: phone: +46 771 76 00 10, e-mail: press@lkab.com
Mats Taaveniku, Chairman of the Municipal Council in Kiruna
phone: +46 70 316 7477, e-mail: mats.taaveniku@kiruna.se
LKAB is an international mining and minerals group that offers iron ore, minerals and special products. We are committed to developing carbon-free processes by 2045, leading the transformation of the iron and steel industry. Since 1890 we have developed through unique innovations and technological solutions and are driven forward by more than 5,000 employees in 12 countries. In 2024, the LKAB group had sales of about SEK 33 billion. nlkab.com
LKAB and the municipality are mutually dependent on each other, and it’s positive that we can stand side by side and talk about the process at this very early stage, even though we still lack the involvement of the state in this. At this point, it’s too early to say exactly how the city will develop, but I am confident that Kiruna will remain strong today, tomorrow, and in the future.
We want to do what we can to encourage people to stay in the municipality, and this will hopefully give the people of Kiruna better conditions for planning their future. Our goal is to offer those who need to relocate the opportunity to choose between different types of compensation solutions.
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