Rejlers has signed a framework agreement with Swedish mining company Copperstone Resources to support the latter’s efforts to reopen the Viscaria copper mine in Kiruna, Sweden.

As part of the three-year agreement, Rejlers will deliver expertise and innovative solutions to contribute to Copperstone's aim to become a sustainable copper producer through the reopening of the Viscaria mine.

Rejlers will provide a wide range of services within all technical areas for the project. These services include cybersecurity, digitalisation, environment, geotechnics, grid connection, infrastructure, plant design and sustainability.

The Viscaria mine was operational during the 1980s and 1990s. It was closed due to a drop in copper demand at that time.

Since the 1990s, global demand for copper has doubled, meaning that Viscaria’s resources are in demand once again.

Based on the previous explorations, the Viscaria deposit is estimated to hold three million tonnes of copper-bearing rock.

However, recent prospecting drillings indicated that the mine holds 93 million tonnes of copper-bearing rock. It has the potential to produce around 30,000 tonnes of copper per year.

Copperstone plans to carry out mining both in open pits and underground at the Viscaria project. The mine is due to reopen in 2025.

Rejlers Industry division sales and client relations head Andreas Johansson said: "Working together with Copperstone gives us a fantastic opportunity to show how we can contribute to creating sustainable and long-term solutions for Copperstone and society at large.”

Copperstone project manager Emma Mäkitaavola said: "We are very pleased to have Rejlers as a partner in this project. Their expertise and commitment make us confident that our project will be a success.”