Background
The closed Laisvall Mine in Arjeplog Municipality is managed by Boliden’s Closed Mines Department. The mine was in operation between 1943 and 2001, and tailings from the operations were deposited in four tailings storage facilities with associated dams. Following the closure of the mine, Boliden has carried out remediation measures and continues to conduct regular sampling and monitoring of the area.
As a member of the industry organization ICMM, Boliden follows the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). This means that environmental, geotechnical, hydrogeological and social aspects of the closed mine are identified and assessed.
Why action is required
As part of these investigations, Boliden has determined that the lower Sjömagasin dam does not meet current stability requirements. The dam is located in close proximity to Road 625, which leads towards Hällbacken, Adolfström and Gautosjö, as well as Lake Laisan. To ensure long-term stability, a support embankment is planned to be constructed against the dam.
The work will begin in late winter/early spring 2026 and will continue through one open-ground construction season.
What will be done?
While frozen ground conditions prevail, crushed rock will be transported to the closed mine from Swerock’s Naura quarry outside Arjeplog. The work will begin with the reinforcement of internal access roads within the area, and material will be stockpiled at a transshipment area established in close proximity to the dam. Transport routes will follow the alignment shown in the image below and will therefore never pass through the village of Laisvall.
Once the ground has thawed, the next phase of the project will begin, involving the construction of a manhole at the existing culvert adjacent to the dam. In connection with this, the roadside ditch along Road 625 will be improved. After the manhole has been installed, construction of the support embankment will commence. The embankment will be built in stages, with a dumper reversing into position to unload crushed rock, which is then placed and shaped by an excavator.
How affected parties may be impacted
The measure affects several stakeholders, including nearby residents, second-home owners, Sami villages, the Swedish Transport Administration, the municipality, and passing road users. The purpose of this information page is to provide clear, up-to-date and reassuring information about the project.
Information for those affected
- Increased traffic
During the project period, approximately 2,000 truck transports will operate between Arjeplog and Laisvall. This may result in increased traffic volumes and noise. - Accessibility on Road 625
Temporary disruptions may occur when work is carried out in close proximity to the road. Current traffic information will be updated continuously. Boliden will comply with traffic management decisions, including signage and other measures, issued by the Swedish Transport Administration.