Church Translocation in Sweden - Explanation of the Process
In the heart of Sweden, the small town of Kiruna is embarking on an unprecedented journey. With a total cost estimated to be over 10 billion Swedish Krona (approximately one billion euros), Kiruna is set to become one of the rarest examples of a city being relocated on such a grand scale.
By 2035, around 6,000 people and over 3,000 buildings will be moved to a new site, a decision necessitated by Swedish law and the expanding ore mine in Kiruna. According to this law, no mining can take place under buildings for safety reasons, a rule that applies to Kiruna due to the increased risk of subsidence, which could damage infrastructure.
The relocation of the historic Kiruna Church, which costs approximately 44 million euros, has already been undertaken by the state-owned mining company, LKAB. This culturally significant building was moved due to the expansion of LKAB's mine in Kiruna. The company is also financing the relocation of the entire city center.
The reasons behind this relocation are not unique to Kiruna. Cities and buildings worldwide have had to make way for dams, mines, or climate change. Parallels can be drawn between Kiruna and the Rhine coal mining area in Germany, where many villages had to be demolished or rebuilt due to expanding mines.
The move towards relocating Kiruna is not without its benefits. Large deposits of rare earths, crucial for future technologies like wind turbines and electric motors, have been discovered in Kiruna. These deposits could potentially contribute significantly to Sweden's green economy and the global transition towards sustainable energy.
As Kiruna prepares for its new chapter, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between progress and preservation, and the role of responsible mining in shaping our future.
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