Industrial Dynamics and Urban Relocation in the Mining Cities Kiruna and Gallivare, Sweden

Abstract

This study clarified the circumstances of the ongoing urban relocation in two cities in northern Sweden, Kiruna and Gallivare, in recent years by investigating the dynamics of the city and industries in both regions.

With the development of railways and ports, iron ore mining began in earnest at the end of the 19th century in both cities. The two cities assumed the character of company towns as urbanization progressed with the development of the mining company LKAB, which has contributed to the development of the local social infrastructure.

In the Kiruna and Malmberget mines, the iron ore is underground. Since the 2000s, there has been increasing fear that the earth’s surface above the mines will collapse; therefore, LKAB consulted with the municipal authorities of Kiruna and Gallivare, and they are undertaking an urban relocation project, for which they are seeking residents’ consent and providing them with compensation.