Grängesberg Fe project, central Sweden     Sidan på svenska

History
Mining activity on the Grängesberg deposit commenced in the 16th century and continued unabated until closure in 1990. At the turn of the century, Sir Ernest Cassel, the British merchant banker and grandfather of Edwina Mountbatten, owned the mine. At this time Grängesberg was purported to be the richest of Sweden’s iron ore mines. During the mine’s life, over 180 million tonnes of ore were produced. The company was the biggest employer in Grängesberg.

At the height of production in the early 1980s, there were some 1,500 employees, reducing to 850 at closure. Population in the town has dwindled since closure, the largest employer now being the Spendrups brewery. Closure was considered in 1981, but a return to profitability was made in 1982 and several good years followed. Although the revenue stream remained constant, there were rising costs. The decision to close was made in 1987. All employees were given 5 years notice and guaranteed employment for that time. Ownership was transferred to a separate state owned company in the year following the decision. Although closure was planned initially for 31/12/1991, the last skip was hoisted on 16/1/1990 with salvage operations following. The workings were allowed to flood and the equipment was largely disposed of, although a great deal of rolling stock was abandoned underground. The shafts were capped and winding gear removed.