Introduction to Kiruna Church Relocation
The world’s largest underground iron ore mine is threatening to swallow the city of Kiruna, prompting the relocation of the city’s historic center, including the 113-year-old Kiruna church. The church, a 672-ton Lutheran structure, was lifted onto remote-controlled flatbed trailers and moved to a new city center approximately 5 kilometers away.
The Relocation Process
The operation is part of a decades-long project to relocate a large part of the Arctic city of Kiruna after the mine’s expansion had weakened the ground under its historical center. The mine operator, LKAB, is financing the move, which is estimated to cost around €500 million. The streets had to be enlarged to accommodate the church, which was moved at a pace of half a kilometer per hour.
Community Reaction
At least 10,000 people gathered to witness the historical event, including the Swedish king, Carl XVI Gustaf. The church’s relocation is a bittersweet moment for the community, with many feeling a sense of joy and sadness. According to Lena Tjarnberg, the pastor of Kiruna, "The church is in any way Kiruna’s soul, and in any way it is a safe place… For me, it’s like a day of joy. But I think people are also sad because we have to leave this place."
Cultural Significance
The 40-meter-tall church, designed by Swedish architect Gustaf Wickman, features designs inspired by the indigenous Sami population of the region. The church’s relocation is an impressive feat of engineering, but it also raises concerns about the impact on the Sami community, who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
Impact on the Sami Community
The Sami community is warning that the further expansion of the mine threatens the traditional migration routes of reindeer, which could endanger the livelihood of indigenous shepherds in the region. Around 3,000 houses and approximately 6,000 people will have to relocate as part of the project. The feelings among the Sami community are not the same as those celebrating the church’s relocation, as they fear for the future of their traditional way of life.
