A Swedish mineral strategy
The global demand for mineral raw materials is a challenge to responsible extraction and production that is sustainable in the long term. Sweden has good geology and generally good conditions to offer companies wishing to invest in prospecting and mining operations. This is not enough. Competition between countries with similar conditions to Sweden is increasing. We must take part in the competition but also use our knowledge as a basis for developing resource efficiency.
Fjällnejlika, Viscaria alpina. Foto: Bengt Hedberg/Johnér Bildbyrå
In February 2011, the European Commission presented a communication on raw materials and markets for base products. The communication proposes an integrated vision for the challenges in the raw materials markets. The Commission welcomes the creation of national strategies as part of the work towards achieving these goals. In this context, Sweden is an important country, a country rich in natural resources and raw materials and one of Europe's leading mineral producers.
In 2012, the Government is working on the development of a strategy for the long-term and sustainable use of Sweden's mineral resources. This work is being led by the Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications and is taking place in cooperation with the other ministries. The Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) is assisting the Government in developing the mineral strategy. Regions, education institutions, county administrative boards and relevant actors are invited to provide input for this work.
The strategy will be presented before the end of the year. During the process, the Government will engage in a broad dialogue with relevant actors from the public sector, the business world and civil society. A series consisting of three thematic dialogue meetings is planned.
Contact information
Work with the Swedish mineral strategy is being led by the Division for Research, Innovation and Industry Development at the Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications. Email: n.mis[a]enterprise.ministry.se
