Limiting the impact on the physical environment

Boliden needs access to large areas of land for exploration, mining and the construction of tailings ponds and dams. This requirement entails a responsibility for soil conservation and the reclamation of mining areas, both continuously and when they have reached the end of their productive lifespan.

Changes in the landscape

Operating mines and smelters virtually always results in major changes to the landscape. Dams, which are used to deposit tailings sand, to treat process water, and for water storage – or a combination of the same – can probably be said to have the greatest impact on the environment. For Boliden, this entails managing the changes that occur in the physical landscape in a responsible and controlled way through detailed planning, monitoring and follow-up work.

Land holdings

Boliden's land holdings total approximately 20 000 hectares.