There is plenty of rare earth minerals in the northern carriage between Ödeshög and Gränna. The company Tasman Metals AB wants to start breaking, and now the company has extended its exploration license.
The Canadian company started working in the 2009 research area when it received its first license.
The survey has been extended in several installments. According to the Mineral Act, an exploration permit valid for eight years may be extended by two more - if special reasons exist.
It does, the Bergsstat considers that such permission is granted. There are several reasons. In addition, there is plenty of soil and zirconium, and Tasman Metals has applied for a processing concession and, on the other hand, the company has undertaken extensive research work.
In total, Tasman has invested approximately SEK 100 million in the area. 2009-2012 was carried out over 20,000 meters of diamond rock drilling. In 2014, further drilling was made, which led to the company assessing that the deposit could be profitable to break.
The mountain state said yes to refusal in May 2013 but the decision was appealed to the government and the Supreme Administrative Court. The Supreme Administrative Court said no to Tasman Metal's application and demanded a plan for how the whole area of a potential mine would be affected.
The question is thus back at Bergsstaten. At the beginning of the year, Tasman's parent company Leading Edge Materials submitted supplementary applications. Now an extension has been granted for the period of validity of the examination permit until 31 August 2019.
A number of individuals, property owners in the area, have previously appealed to the investigation permits. The Nature Conservation Association protests and argues that the Bergsstaten does not meet the requirements for consultation before the decisions are taken.
Ödeshög moderates say no to break in Norra Kärr and have comments on the latest decision from the Berg State.
- Vättern is Northern Europe's most important drinking water, says Bengt Gideskog, city council chairman of Ödeshög. Launching mining operations with great use that leakage water makes its way to Vättern is irresponsible - even though mining would provide much-needed jobs in the municipality.
250,000 people get their drinking water from Vättern, the critics point out, but in the future, there may be a lot more. The discussions about the future of Vättern also include the defense's plans to continue and expand its shooting and aerial exercises over the Vättern.
The last word about Norra Kärr is not said yet because the decision to extend the period of validity of the examination permit can be appealed.
Source: Tasman Metals AB
