To start up new mining activity in the old iron mines outside Kirkenes, the mining company Sydvaranger needed a license from the Government. In December last year the project secured the necessary financing after being registered on the Australian Stock market. Now they also have the essential license from the Government to start production.
Now , the only license that remains before production can start, is the emission permit from the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority. According to Sydvaranger owner, Felix Tschudi, the permit will be issued soon.
The iron mine in Bjørnevatn, 10 kilometres south of Kirkenes, is situated next to the Russian border. From the southern part of the mining area it is possible to see the pipes of the Russian Nickel plant in Nikel.
Minister Andersen is delighted that there are investors who are willing to develop new mining activity in such scale as Sydvaranger has planned in Kirkenes. The total costs of new equipment, renovation of old buildings and preparation of the mining area, are estimated to 130 million EUR. Sydvaranger is planning to ship out its first cargo of iron next summer, and it is expected that production can last for 20 years with today’s reserves of iron ores.
