Gruvaktiebolaget Viscaria today connects its logistics hub Leväjärvi to the Ore Line (Malmbanan). The connection marks a key milestone in the reopening of the Viscaria mine and the establishment of an efficient and sustainable logistics solution for future transports of copper concentrate.
The work was carried out by the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) during a planned traffic stoppage and means that Viscaria’s new operations site and rail yard in Leväjärvi are now directly connected to Malmbanan. This enables rail transport both northwards to Narvik and southwards to ports and smelters across the Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic Sea region.
“It is positive that an additional operator is now connecting to Malmbanan and can utilise the existing infrastructure. The railway is a key enabler for industrial development in northern Sweden, and this connection demonstrates how infrastructure can create value for multiple users,” said Helena Eriksson, Regional Director, Northern Region, Trafikverket.
Significant investments are planned for Malmbanan in the coming years to strengthen capacity and resilience in the system. Viscaria’s rail transport volumes are expected to be well accommodated within existing capacity.
“The connection means that one of the most important building blocks in our future logistics chain is now in place. It creates the conditions for efficient, reliable and climate-smart transport from the start of production,” said Thomas Nordmark, Head of Infrastructure and Logistics at Viscaria.
As Europe’s demand for copper increases, driven by electrification and the energy transition, access to stable European raw material supply chains is becoming increasingly important. Access to Malmbanan is therefore a strategic advantage for Viscaria and enables the delivery of responsibly produced copper with a low carbon footprint to the European market.