According to the mining company Botnia Gold, a storage tent was destroyed by fire and at least three important vehicles were damaged. The fire broke out above ground on Saturday evening, not inside the gold mine itself.
We are currently investigating the extent of the damage, CEO Fredrik Bergsten tells the radio station.
No staff were seriously injured, but two people suffered smoke inhalation. The company expects to be able to resume some operations “at some point.”
But it is still unclear how long the stoppage in ore production will last, Bergsten tells P4.
Police will be on site on Sunday to conduct a technical examination. A preliminary investigation into arson has been opened due to “the great value of the destroyed property,” police announced.
The cause of the fire is unclear.
