Rejlers advances mining industry transformation in northern Sweden

With the reopening of the Viscaria Mine in Kiruna, Sweden, which closed in 1997, the Swedish company Viscaria is scaling up to become a modern and sustainable mine. The high copper content of the mine’s mineral resources and its geographical location mean that Viscaria is well-positioned to successfully deliver high-quality copper.

Opening a new copper supply to European markets could be critical in today’s uncertain global environment. Since the 1990s, global demand for copper has doubled. It is a vital metal for many modern applications, including building and construction, transportation infrastructure, telecommunications and electronics. It is also a key metal for the global transition to renewable energy as it is used in renewable and energy storage technologies as well as for electrification and digitalisation.

As well as supporting the energy transition and resilient infrastructure, Viscaria also seeks to help transform the mining industry, using the latest technology to build energy-efficient mining production processes and striving to only use electricity from fossil-free sources.

Rejlers is supporting Viscaria as head project manager for all its ongoing underground projects. “That means everything in relation to logistics and underground infrastructure,” says Andreas Johansson, Head of Sales and Client Relations, Industry Division, Rejlers Sweden. “Things like planning for crusher and conveyor belt installation in the mine, how to transport the ore to the surface, mine dewatering, power supply and ventilation. We also have the main project management responsibility for the concentrator plant that is being built and the engineering work required to set up the electrical infrastructure that will power the entire site.”

“Opening a mine is not something you do alone,” says Emma Mäkitaavola, Chief Project Manager at Viscaria. “It requires a strong team and partners who understand the complexity of the project. With Rejlers by our side, we have access to experienced consultants who support us from the design to the execution of critical tasks. Their expertise and commitment allow us to advance the work with both confidence and speed.”

“Rejlers has deep underground mine expertise which Viscaria clearly values,” Johansson adds. “We also have a lot of local knowledge. We understand how things are done up here in northern Sweden and where to find the best local expertise. And as well as this being an important project for the wider global industry transformation and energy transition, this is also an important economic development for the local region.”

Rejlers began its work at the Viscaria mine in June 2025. The collaboration is expected to continue throughout 2026 and beyond.