Following the March 14 collapse at Boliden's Garpenberg mine that lightly injured four people, new tremors were recorded Tuesday evening and Wednesday, including one of magnitude 1.9. Seismologist Björn Lund calls the activity 'highly unusual.' Inspections have begun with production paused.
The collapse at Boliden's Garpenberg mine in Dalarna on Saturday, March 14, 2026, prompted evacuation and halted operations after lightly injuring four people, as previously reported. Hundreds of tremors followed over the weekend, with a maximum magnitude of 2.3.
New seismic activity emerged Tuesday evening and Wednesday, including a magnitude 1.9 event that may have been felt within a one-mile radius, according to seismologist Björn Lund at Uppsala University. 'What we see now, which started on Saturday evening, is something I haven't seen before from Garpenberg. It is very unusual,' Lund said. He added that the sequence is ongoing: 'Often there is a sequence of large mine quakes followed by aftershocks that decrease over time. What we have now shows that this sequence is not over yet.'
Boliden confirmed the Wednesday tremor but offered no further comment. The company announced Wednesday morning that mine inspections had begun. Communications chief Klas Nilsson stated there is no forecast for resuming production: 'When we have inspected, we will have a plan to return in a safe manner. Production at the mine will resume successively after the inspection has been carried out.' Around 500 workers remain above ground.
Södra Dalarnes tidning first reported the new tremors.
