44. Seeing the Rocks - New Ideas in the Kiruna Mining District, Northern Sweden

The Kiruna Mining District, 200km north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden, is well known for the giant Kiruna Iron-Oxide-Apatite (IOA) deposit.   The district has a long history of iron production extending back to the late 1800s. Less well known are the copper deposits that are spatially associated with Kiruna. New work by both researchers and explorationists is providing a better understanding of the complicated relationships in these Proterozoic rocks. A shift in mindset is allowing for new perspectives and an opportunity for discovery. 

We first talked to Leslie Logan, PhD candidate at Luleå University of Technology. Her study focuses on the tectonic framework of the Svecokarelian greenstone belt and uses a mineral systems approach to understand mineral occurrences in the district. The origin of the copper deposits has long been debated. Leslie’s work provides new data and interpretation to understand the origins and relationship of the deposits with each other.

Leslie Logan - Luleå University of Technology

Our second guest was Marcello Imaña, Chief Geologist from Copperstone Resources to talk about the history of Viscaria Cu-Fe deposit which is immediately adjacent to the giant Kiruna IOA deposit. Mining at Viscaria was carried out from 1982 to 1997.  Most recently, Copperstone Resources acquired the deposit and are aiming to be in full production again in 2026 after a very successful exploration phase. Their secret was going to an old place with new ideas. Marcello shares how they changed their mindsets staying away from models and relying on what they saw in the rocks. He believes that successful efforts at Viscaria will transform and promote the Kiruna Mining District for copper.

Copperstone Resources Viscaria

Our music is Confluence by Eastwinds.

Come join us in Brisbane, Australia for SEG 2025, September 26-29th.  This will be a dynamic conference with cutting edge science, new discoveries, technology and more.  Opportunities for networking and learning include several workshops and field trips before and after the event, relaxed social events and of course the conference itself.  See you there!