The UN agency Unesco has, on behalf of the government, commented on whether a mining in Kallak would affect the world heritage site Laponia, and the answer was yes.

According to Unesco, the potential impact is large or very large.

"Government obliged to say yes"

The mining opponent hopes that it is the last nail in the coffin for Beowulf Mining, but the mining company does not see it that way at all.

- Unesco has views, but they do not say that Laponia should be deregistered as a world heritage site if there is a mine in Kallak, nor do they recommend the government to reject a mining concession.

By that we mean that the matter has fallen and since we have met all the requirements for a mining concession, it is the government's obligation to also grant one, says Sven-Otto Littorin, Chairman of the Board of Beowulf Mining.

He and CEO Kurt Budge will therefore push the government even more to get politicians to grant the mining concession that would provide 500 jobs in Jokkmokk and a mine with a lifespan of 25 years, according to the mining company.

- It is clear that this is important for Jokkmokk's future.

The municipality is today one of Sweden's poorest and we can contribute with new jobs and approximately one billion kronor in tax revenue, says Sven-Otto Littorin.

"Part of the green transition"

He believes that the most important argument for a mine in Kallak is still the green transition in the steel industry and the investments in iron fungus in the Ore Fields and outside Boden.

- If you are serious about green and climate-neutral steel production, we must have iron, that is the very precondition for making steel.

Either we take the iron that is under our feet or we import it from China, for example, where we have no control over the process.

I think that choice is easy and now the government must stop wasting and make a decision, says Sven-Otto Littorin.