On March 14, a powerful seismic event triggered a rockfall at Boliden's Garpenberg mine in Sweden, injuring four people and causing extensive damage to facilities. According to multiple reports, the incident occurred on Saturday morning, and the mine was evacuated after unusual seismic activity. Klas Nilsson, communications manager at Boliden, said that three people were injured and taken care of by rescue services, though other sources report four slightly injured individuals. The rockfall damaged a significant part of the mine's infrastructure, including ventilation, compressed air systems, water management, and electricity supply, as well as some mobile equipment, according to a Boliden press release. The total loss is now estimated at 1.1 billion kronor, comprising an initial 400 million kronor loss from production stoppage during the first quarter and an additional 700 million kronor in damage. Boliden's share price fell sharply when the stock market opened on Thursday morning, according to major media sources. Over 500 mine workers are now working above ground, as underground operations remain suspended. Seismologist Björn Lund told Aftonbladet that he cannot recall a similar sequence of mine tremors in the 20 years since a seismic network was established. Residents in Garpenberg have called for more and faster information from Boliden. On Wednesday evening, Boliden held an information meeting for nearby residents, shortly before a new powerful seismic event was measured in the afternoon. The company stated on social media that it is working safely and systematically to return to production based on new conditions. Normal blasting times have resumed in unaffected parts of the mine, but in one of the three ore bodies, mining will not be possible for the rest of the year. Boliden previously announced that parts of the mine are so damaged that production cannot resume there during the whole of 2026. The company expects to start production in some parts during the second half of next quarter after inspections and renovations. Klas Nilsson noted that 70 percent of the production plan has fallen away, a noticeable reduction, but emphasized the long-term goal. The part of the mine where the rockfall occurred remains temporarily closed, and it is still unclear when work can fully resume.
In a separate development, the United States has bombed military targets on Iran's key oil island Kharg, according to President Donald Trump. Trump stated that all military targets were destroyed but oil infrastructure was spared, and he threatened to strike oil depots if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz for shipping. The US is sending a naval force of about five thousand soldiers to the Middle East. Iran has responded with threats of revenge against American energy infrastructure. Explosions and thick smoke have been reported from the island, but Iranian sources claim Trump's statements are exaggerated and that their forces remain present.
I cannot recall seeing a similar sequence of mine tremors in the 20 years that we have had a fairly good seismic network.
Russia has reacted strongly to a statement by Swedish politician Magdalena Andersson, who said Europe could 'bomb Russia to pieces'. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, questioned Andersson's right to threaten Russia with nuclear weapons and urged her to focus on EU issues, especially Greenland. Zakharova also warned Russian citizens against traveling to Sweden due to the risk of being accused of crimes. Andersson's criticism of the government's nuclear weapons dialogue has caused irritation within the Swedish government, with several ministers demanding clarifications from the Social Democrats.
In Amsterdam, an attack occurred at a Jewish school during the night from Friday to Saturday. Mayor Femke Halsema confirmed that an explosion took place on Zeelandstraat in Amsterdam-Buitenveldert, with police and fire brigade responding quickly and damage remaining limited. Unverified images on social media show a group called the Islamic Resistance Movement claiming responsibility, according to Telegraaf. Earlier in the week, two synagogues, one in Rotterdam and one in Liège, Belgium, were attacked.
We work safely and systematically to get back to production based on the new conditions.
A fight broke out in a grocery store in Malmö between staff and two customers, possibly triggered by a suspected theft, according to police. Two people were taken to hospital by ambulance after the incident.
TV4 Nyhetsmorgon experienced technical problems on Thursday morning; the broadcast scheduled for 07:55 could not be transmitted due to technical issues, showing only a still image with background noise. The broadcast started at 08:07, according to major media reports.
A significant part of the facilities, such as ventilation, compressed air systems, water management, and infrastructure for electricity, as well as some mobile equipment, have been damaged.
The temporary closure of the affected mine section and the unanswered questions about the cause of the seismic activity continue to concern residents and workers. The exact number of injured remains unclear, and the full timeline of the rockfall and evacuation is still being investigated.