The Swedish government has rejected an appeal against Boliden's exploitation concession for the Nautanen copper deposit, effectively clearing the way for the company to proceed with the project.

Nautanen is described as one of Sweden's largest known copper deposits. According to the government, a future mine could bolster both Sweden's and the EU's supply of this strategically critical metal.

The appeal was lodged by a local Sami village, which argued that the impact on reindeer husbandry had been underestimated. However, the government sided with the assessment of the County Administrative Board and the Mining Inspectorate, ruling that the national interest in valuable minerals and materials must take precedence.

In a press release, the government stated its assessment that the Sami village can continue to conduct reindeer husbandry within its territory despite the impact of mining operations.

Before extraction can commence, environmental permits must still be secured in accordance with the Swedish Environmental Code.