Sweden Reopens Stekenjokk Mine After 40 Years Amid Infrastructure Concerns

Where things stand

The Swedish government has approved the reopening of the Stekenjokk mine in Vilhelmina kommun, nearly 40 years after its closure. The permit was granted to Vilhelmina Mineral, which also holds rights to the adjacent Levi deposit. Recently, concerns have emerged about the supporting infrastructure: if the mine reopens, up to 50 trucks per day are expected to traverse the mountain road. A local snow clearer, Bertil Fjellström, has questioned whether the road can remain open every day of the year, particularly in severe winter conditions. Authorities have not yet disclosed an operational timeline, the scale of planned production, or the findings of any environmental assessments. No details on local employment impacts have been released. The decision thus faces logistical scrutiny as stakeholders await further particulars.

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