Another third of Kiruna will be affected when LKAB's iron ore mine expands. A total of 850 single-family homes and 20 larger businesses will have to move.
Author and journalist Ann-Helen Laestadius, who is from Kiruna, reacts to the message in an article in NSD. "LKAB arranged a 'folk party' and moved the church. Well aware that they would crush the people of Kiruna a week later. 2,700 homes disappear and another 6,000 people lose their homes and places", she writes.
That new forecasts from LKAB would come was known, but the map that was presented "was a shock", she writes further.
"You can't cope"
Kiruna resident Hasse Hagström found out after the press conference that he needs to move, and describes it as "a shock".
The house has been renovated and fixed, which he calls "money down the drain" to SVT News Norrbotten. When TT reaches him, Hasse Hagström says that he and his girlfriend have lived in the house for 18 years, which they bought from her parents.
LKAB will never pay for the hours we have put into this, he says.
He thinks it's "crazy" that another 6,000 people are affected.
How will they manage to build? Are we going to live in barracks? he asks himself.
There are several who are new to the area, including families with children, he says.
I think people will start moving from this city, you can't cope, says Hasse Hagström and continues:
People can't live on a construction site their whole lives.
"Been through it before"
Hotel owners Jan Grönberg and Kirsi Säisä Grönberg have recently expanded their hotel business in Kiruna. It will feel empty - but the choices are few, Jan Grönberg means. It's the second time their business is affected, they tell SVT News Norrbotten.
We have been through this before. We had another hotel, Rallaren, so we know what it means to start over, says Kirsi Säisä Grönberg.
Now one is waiting for a date for the move, Arthur Gunnare means. He is not surprised by the message, but tells NSD that it is with sadness in his heart.
But I understand why. I myself have worked 45 years at LKAB. It's a lifeline.
