"The activities shall contribute to increased self-sufficiency in critical raw materials, both in Sweden and within the EU," the court writes in a press release.
“Brand new business”
The permit review has been ongoing for 17 months.
The industrial park has been classified as a "special priority activity" by the EU.
"Since this is a completely new operation, temporary conditions apply to emissions to air and water pending further investigations the court has ordered the company to carry out," the court writes.
The court order comes at the same time as LKAB prepares to open a test facility in Luleå this fall, where technology to extract phosphorus and all 17 rare earth metals from residues of iron ore production will be tested.
For electric cars and wind power
Rare earth metals are used in magnets in electric car motors and generators for wind turbines, among other things, where China dominates the value chain. Europe currently has no domestic mining of these rare earth metals.
"The environmental permit is a necessary part, but future decisions about investments and implementation are made based on several parameters. This also includes technical and market factors. We are moving forward step by step and will make investment decisions when the conditions are right," says Johan Menckel in a press release from LKAB.
According to LKAB, an environmental permit will also be required for LKAB's operations and apatite plant in Gällivare. That court hearing has concluded, and a verdict is expected in June.
