The establishment of "Aktieselskapet Bjørkaasen Gruber (Ofoten)" in 1913 led to the development of an independent community, located in the area around the mine.
The construction work was mainly carried out between 1916-1919, involving the mapping of mineral deposits and the construction of a mechanical laundry for the ore, a tramway, and a road from the laundry to the shipping facility, loading dock, and office building. A sawmill, foundry, laboratory, mechanical workshop, electrical workshop, and carpentry workshop were established. The company built housing for workers and officials, and constructed baths, an infirmary, barn, and stable.
Bjørkåsen Power Station was built to provide power and water supply for the mining operations and the ore processing. The power station commenced operation in 1921 and was the first power plant in Northern Europe where both the supply line, station, and outlet were blasted into the mountain.
When the mining company was founded, it was granted a concession to operate for 55 years. In 1964, all mining ceased as profitability was lost. A fifty-year operating period had ended. Here, the administration building is seen with the laundry in the background.