The environmental permit for Kaunis Iron is now legally binding

The decision means that Kaunis Iron holds a complete and legally binding permit for continued and expanded mining operations in Tapuli, Palotieva, and Sahavaara, including associated activities at the Kaunisvaara beneficiation plant. After a long and comprehensive permitting process, this establishes the long-term and predictable conditions required for the operation.

The ruling confirms that Kaunis Iron’s operations meet strict environmental standards, in line with previous decisions by both the Land and Environment Court and the Land and Environment Court of Appeal.

"This is a long-awaited and very positive decision, both for us as a company and for the local community. After many years of reviews and uncertainty, we now have a final permit in place, giving us the conditions to build a sustainable mining operation for the future in Tornedalen," says Klas Dagertun, CEO of Kaunis Iron.

The operation is now in a position to coordinate an approach to the future and assess the opportunities to bridge a potential operational stoppage, before Tapuli reaches the end of its service life.

The permit is final and can no longer be appealed.