Sweden lets Laver copper mine advance despite environmental appeals

Sweden's government has rejected two environmental appeals and upheld Boliden's concession for a new copper mine at Laver in Norrbotten.

The decision allows the project to move to its next stage. It does not give Boliden permission to begin construction or mining.

The government says production at Laver could double Sweden's copper output and increase total EU output by 10 percent. Boliden plans two open pits at Lill-Laverberget and annual production of 36 million tonnes of ore.

The Mining Inspectorate granted the processing concession in September 2025. Two environmental organisations appealed, but the government found no reason to overturn the decision.

The central conflict is not resolved. SVT reports that Norrbotten's county administrative board gave the mineral deposit priority over competing interests involving nature and reindeer husbandry.

Boliden must still obtain an environmental permit from the Land and Environment Court. That process can examine impacts including dust, noise and damage to the surrounding environment, and impose conditions or refuse permission.

For residents, today's decision means the mine can advance—but the environmental case that determines whether it can actually be built is still ahead.

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