City Is Displaced in Stages to Avoid Risks After Underground Mine Expanded and Caused Increasing Ground Deformations

Written by Noel Budeguer

Published on 28/12/2025 at 11:17

A mudança envolve 3 quilômetros, preserva marcos históricos e reorganiza a vida da população enquanto a mineração avança no subsolo

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The Change Involves 3 Kilometers, Preserves Historical Landmarks, and Reorganizes the Life of the Population as Mining Advances Underground

The city of Kiruna, in the far north of Sweden, is undergoing a rare transformation in the modern urban world. Part of its center is being moved to another area after the advancement of an underground mine caused land instability.

The process is not limited to new constructions. It involves residents, utilities, commerce, and historical symbols, all affected by a plan that redefines where the city physically exists.

What Happened and Why It Attracted Attention

Kiruna grew around iron mining in the Kiirunavaara region, considered one of the largest in the world. With the advancement of extraction at depth, the land above began to show progressive deformations.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Why the Ground Is Giving Way and What Is the Origin of the Problem

**Underground gallery of the mine operates with continuous conveyor belts**, responsible for carrying the extracted ore to great depths through tunnels excavated in the rock, in an industrial system that operates day and night and progressively advances beneath the city, altering the balance of the soil on the surface

The mine operates underground and extends to great depths. As the ore is removed, the ground above undergoes physical changes that can result in cracks and instability.

These changes make some areas unsuitable for urban occupancy, requiring the gradual displacement of entire neighborhoods. The phenomenon is constantly monitored and influences city planning.

There are indications that new areas may be affected in the future, expanding the area that needs to be reorganized.

How the Change of the Urban Center Works and Where Kiruna Is Going

**Historic church is transported intact on hydraulic platforms during the urban change**, in a large engineering operation that involves dozens of moving axles, millimetric control of leveling, and reduced speed to preserve the century-old wooden structure while the surrounding ground is impacted by mining

The new urban center was planned for an area about 3 kilometers east of the original core. This area began to receive administrative buildings, commerce, and essential services.

The new centrality began to take shape with the inauguration of the city hall Kristallen in 2018, and with the official opening of the new center in September 2022.

The urban reorganization was designed to occur over several years, allowing for gradual adaptation of residents, businesses, and public infrastructure.

Historic Buildings Also Enter the Operation and One Symbol Has Already Moved

**Built in 1912, the church is considered the largest wooden church in Sweden**, with a capacity for about **1,600 people**, a structure inspired by Norwegian architecture, and an estimated weight of **over 600 tons**

The change involves not just new constructions. Structures deemed important for local identity are being preserved through physical transfers.

One of the most emblematic cases was the relocation of the Kiruna Church, carried out on August 19 and 20, 2025. The church was transported to a new location near the new urban center.

This type of operation requires technical planning, ground preparation, and specific logistics to ensure the integrity of the structures during the relocation.

What Can Happen From Now On for Residents, Properties, and Services

The urban transformation continues in stages and is impacting housing, circulation, and public services. As new areas enter risk zones, planning needs to be updated.

The process also requires ongoing solutions for resettlement and adaptation of infrastructure, without interrupting the economic and social routine of the city.

For those living in Kiruna, the change represents an attempt to keep the city functional while it literally changes location.

City Is Displaced in Stages to Avoid Risks After Underground Mine Expanded and Caused Increasing Ground Deformations

The Change Involves 3 Kilometers, Preserves Historical Landmarks, and Reorganizes the Life of the Population as Mining Advances Underground

What Happened and Why It Attracted Attention

Why the Ground Is Giving Way and What Is the Origin of the Problem

How the Change of the Urban Center Works and Where Kiruna Is Going

Historic Buildings Also Enter the Operation and One Symbol Has Already Moved

What Can Happen From Now On for Residents, Properties, and Services

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City Is Displaced in Stages to Avoid Risks After Underground Mine Expanded and Caused Increasing Ground Deformations

The Change Involves 3 Kilometers, Preserves Historical Landmarks, and Reorganizes the Life of the Population as Mining Advances Underground

What Happened and Why It Attracted Attention

Why the Ground Is Giving Way and What Is the Origin of the Problem

How the Change of the Urban Center Works and Where Kiruna Is Going

Historic Buildings Also Enter the Operation and One Symbol Has Already Moved

What Can Happen From Now On for Residents, Properties, and Services

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