Swedish steel company SSAB has reported significant pollution at its Luleå facility that has reached groundwater levels, according to documents obtained by SVT Nyheter. The company notified the County Administrative Board of Norrbotten on March 20, 2026, about the contamination discovered during excavation work near the coke plant.
According to SSAB's report, 'significant amounts of waste' were found during groundworks, consisting of bags with unknown gypsum-like contents, a fibrous brick-colored mass, and tar lumps in solid form. The waste reportedly smells bad and has 'solvent-like characteristics,' extending down to groundwater level and possibly deeper.
I have never been this sick. I have basically been fighting for my life.
Employees working on groundworks at the new steel plant have sought medical attention in February and March after falling ill, though the exact cause of their symptoms remains unknown. One worker told newspaper NSD he has been on sick leave for six weeks after developing chemical pneumonia and heart EKG abnormalities, stating, 'I have never been this sick. I have basically been fighting for my life.'
Work was reportedly paused in parts of the area after several workers became ill, with some sections halted as early as February. The County Administrative Board stated that while SSAB fulfilled its legal obligation to report the pollution on March 20, they were unaware that people had already fallen ill in February due to suspected contamination.
It is unfortunate. We should be contacted promptly.
'It is unfortunate. We should be contacted promptly,' said Sabina Hoppe, environmental protection chief at the County Administrative Board of Norrbotten. SSAB declined to comment when contacted by SVT.