Viscaria's New Railway Yard to Boost Europe's Copper Supply by 2027

Construction is progressing on a new railway yard at Viscaria, positioned strategically near the Malmbanan railway line, set to begin operations by 2027. This facility will serve as the key storage and loading site for copper concentrate extracted from the Viscaria mine, facilitating shipments across the European Union. The railway yard will feature two switches allowing flexible routing north or south, integrating with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) for enhanced operational safety. Collaboration with Trafikverket ensures these infrastructure elements meet rigorous standards, while a partnership with Narvik’s bulk port is planned to streamline logistics.

The infrastructure development includes an advanced water treatment plant, WTP1000, capable of purifying up to 1000 cubic meters of water per hour. This system has garnered local authority recognition as a potential new industry benchmark for sustainable operations. Thomas Nordmark, Viscaria’s Infrastructure and Logistics Manager, highlighted the site's strategic advantages, enabling efficient transportation of copper to Swedish ports such as Luleå and Skellefteå, and to Narvik.

Copper transported here is highly valuable; one train of copper concentrate is equivalent in value to ten trains of iron ore. The Malmbanan line currently operates at approximately 40% capacity, allowing Viscaria to plan weekly copper train shipments. This development is set against a backdrop of anticipated rising copper demand and shrinking supply in Europe. By 2027, Viscaria’s production is projected to meet up to 5% of Europe’s annual copper needs, cementing its role as a key supplier in the region’s resource supply chain.

Further, a transshipment facility near Narvik is under preparation to support efficient distribution logistics. The synergy between these facilities ensures Viscaria can sustainably and reliably deliver copper concentrate to meet the European market's increasing demands.