The mine in Nautanen leaks heavy metals: "Do it for thousands of years without action"

Nautanen is an old copper mine in Gällivare municipality.

Mining began in the early 20th century, but it was closed after six years and has since leaked over 20,000 kilos of copper and other heavy metals into the Imetjoki brook.

Without action, the mine continues to leak

Imetjoki is today a dead watercourse that flows out via the Lina River to the national river Kalixälven.

According to the County Administrative Board, the area is one of the priority areas in Norrbotten that should be rehabilitated.

- It is very important that some form of action takes place because the leakage will not end for thousands of years without action, says Anna-Karin Ross, administrator for polluted areas at the County Administrative Board.

See pictures of the water from the mining area that flows into Imetjoki, which today is a dead watercourse.