Sweden’s Minerals Strategy For sustainable use of Sweden’s mineral resources that creates growth throughout the country Production Swedish Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications Cover Photo Erik Jonsson/SGU The picture shows complex amalgamations of copper sulfides, primarily copper pyrites, yellow lamellae, in brownish purple bornite from a mineralisation in Norrbotten. Illustration Blomquist Print Elanders Article no N2013.06 Preface

Photo: Kristian Pohl.

new bridge, a windpower turbine or your mobile telephone contains metals extracted from the ground somewhere in the world. As more and Amore people extricate themselves from poverty, build cities and develop their industry, the demand for metals and minerals is rising. This has in turn led to a greater interest in Swedish mineral resources. Sweden is currently the EU’s leading mining and mineral nation and one of the goals of Sweden’s minerals strategy is to strengthen that position. By using our mineral resources sustainably, in harmony with environmental, na- tural and cultural values, we can create jobs and growth throughout Sweden. Not only do we have the resources in the form of ore and minerals, but we also have the framework in the form of robust and unequivocal environmen- tal legislation, a strong climate for innovation, openness as regards our geolo- gical resources, high-level research and a well-educated workforce. An expanding mining and mineral industry involves huge investments in parts of the country where such investments have been conspicuous in their absence for a long time. This is a welcome development, but it also brings with it substantial demands. The communities that are growing alongside the mining industry must also be built up sustainably. Attractive living environments must be created so as to avoid situations where the workforce is flown in and out. The expansion must take place in harmony with the environment and surrounding industries. My hope is that Sweden’s Minerals Strategy will act as a tool for dialogue, cooperation and growth in all parts of the country.

Annie Lööf, Minister for Enterprise Sweden’s Minerals Strategy

This minerals strategy will increase the competitiveness of the Swedish mining and minerals industry so that Sweden main- tains and strengthens its position as the EU’s leading mining nation. Sweden’s mineral assets are to be exploited in a long- term sustainable way, with consideration shown for ecological, social and cultural dimensions, so that natural and cultural environments are preserved and developed.

In the minerals strategy, the A mining and minerals Dialogue and Government identifies five industry in harmony with cooperation to strategic objectives that are 1 the environment, cultural 2 promote innovation considered to be of particular values and other and growth. importance in order to reach the business activities. strategy’s vision. These objectives are: 1. Greater resource 4. Promotion of societal efficiency development and regional growth Measures: Measures: 1. Survey and analysis of the extraction and recycling potential of 5. Programme for exchange of Swedish metal and mineral assets knowledge and experience and Within these five strategic (SGU, EPA). coordination when new large- scale mines are being established objectives, there are eleven action 2. System for reporting shot rock (TVV). areas to which a number of goals production data (SGU, EPA, 6. Manual for municipalities where and measures are connected. Transport Agency, Boverket). These action areas are: mines are to be established 2. Better dialogue and (TVV, EPA). synergy with other industries 7. Review of obstacles preventing an increase in housing produc- Measures: tion to meet the expansion of the 3. Manual for consultation mining industry (Boverket). between the reindeer and mining industries during permitting 8. Methodology for regional processes (Norrbotten CAB). material supply planning (SGU). The minerals strategy deals with non-energy minerals for 3. Mining communities 5. Clearer distribution of industrial purposes. with attractive natural and responsibility and better cultural environments The term “mining and minerals flow of information among industry” refers to enterprises Measures: actors in the industry that produce ore for metal 4. Develop, compile and dissemi- Measures: extraction, aggregate, industrial nate examples of how the cultural 9. National minerals forum to minerals and natural stone. environment in Bergslagen can promote dialogue, knowledge be utilised by the mining and exchange and coordination. tourist industries (Heritage Board)

Abbreviations:SGU (Geological Survey of Sweden), EPA (Swedish Environmental Protection Agency), Boverket (Board of Housing, Building and Planning), CAB (County Administrative Board), TVV (Agency for Economic and Regional Growth), TA (Agency for Growth Policy Analysis), FFI (Programme for Vehicle Strategic 4 Research and Innovation), VR (Swedish Research Council). The primary target group for the mineral ses are world leaders in their respective sectors strategy is the Swedish mining, industrial and have significant market shares. Creating minerals and aggregate industry and the ac- the prerequisites for growth in the mining tors who contribute to or are affected by and minerals industry also strengthens the the industry’s activities. Sweden has several conditions for its suppliers, which is benefici- strong enterprises that supply technically ad- al to Sweden. Some of the measures presented vanced equipment to industrial mining and in the strategy also have a direct bearing on minerals enterprises. Some of these busines- the suppliers.

Framework conditions An innovative mining An internationally and infrastructure for and minerals industry renowned, active and 3 competitiveness and 4 with an excellent 5 attractive mining and growth. knowledge base. minerals industry.

6. A clearer and more 8. Research and 10. A good supply of capital effective regulatory innovation that create and promotion of framework growth and competitiveness investment Measures: Measures: Measures: 10. Follow-up and evaluation of 16. Analysis of Sweden’s attractive- performed initiatives to shorten 13. Biometric subject review of the ness as a mining country, from an environmental permitting mining and minerals research area. international perspective (TA). lead-times (TA). Propose improved forms of cooperation between business 11. Pilot for comprehensive plan sector and academia (Vinnova, VR). 11. Greater participation in to support municipalities in their the international arena detailed planning work (Norrbotten 9. Skills supply that meets Measures: CAB). the needs of the industry 17. Investigate the conditions for and the regions establishing a communication and 7. Infrastructure Measures: marketing platform to present investments for growth in 14. Increase knowledge about the activities for greater internationalisa- the mining industry role of geology in society and tion (Business Sweden). Measures: highlight the industry as a work- 18. Propose how Sweden and 12. Use experience from FFI to place (SGU, business sector). Swedish enterprises can contribute develop electric propulsion systems 15. Regional skills platforms are to a sustainable mining industry in for trucks on the road (Transport to draw up plans for how to meet developing countries (SGU). Agency). the long-term skills supply needs. 19. Sound out countries for more mpetensförsörjningsbehovet. in-depth contacts at government level.

5

Contents

Why Sweden needs a minerals strategy 8 The right conditions for a strong Swedish mining and minerals industry 9 Sweden’s mining and minerals industry in an international perspective 14 The Swedish framework 17 The vision of the Swedish minerals strategy 20 Strengths, opportunities and challenges in meeting the vision 20 Five strategic areas for long-term sustainable minerals use 24

A mining and minerals industry in harmony with the environment, culture and other industries Greater resource efficiency Improved dialogue and synergy with other industries Mining communities with attractive natural and cultural environments Dialogue and cooperation to promote innovation and growth 29 Promotion of societal development and regional growth Clearer distribution of responsibility and better flow of information among actors in the industry Framework conditions and infrastructure for competitiveness and growth 32 A clearer and more effective regulatory framework Infrastructure investments for growth in the mining industry An innovative mining and minerals industry with an excellent knowledge base 36 Research and innovation that create growth and competitiveness Skills supply that meets the needs of the industry and the regions An internationally renowned, active and attractive mining and minerals industry 42 A good supply of capital and promotion of investment Greater participation in the international arena Implementation of the strategy 47 Action plan 47 Monitoring of the strategy’s implementation and goal achievement 47 List of proposed measures 48

7 Why Sweden needs a minerals strategy

The Swedish minerals strategy takes an in- where constantly improving welfare is leading tegrated approach in order to create benefi- to a need for metals in society in order to build cial conditions, and identify opportunities and infrastructure and create material values. Most challenges so that the mining and minerals in- metals are scarce in the EU with a substantial dustry can grow sustainably and keep pace with lack of nickel, iron, zinc, lead and copper and the opportunities provided by today’s strong the region is completely dependent on im- international demand for metals and minerals. ports of metals such as tin, cobalt and molyb- Natural resources are vital to the global eco- denum. The demand for metals is expected to nomy and a good quality of life. Minerals and continue to be high over the next ten years as metals are crucial to the building of modern well as in a longer-term perspective. society. Access to metals such as iron, copper, Sweden is one of the EU’s leading ore- and silver and high-tech metals is a pre-condition metal-producing countries and the Swe- for the production of modern energy and en- dish mining industry is in a period of strong vironmental technology such as windpower, growth. The mining industry is of substantial solar cells, low-energy light-bulbs and cataly- importance to the country’s growth and eco- tic converters in cars. Green growth without nomy. It creates jobs in the surrounding com- access to raw materials for green technology munity, contributes to making the mining is unfeasible. areas of Sweden more attractive and creates There is currently considerable internatio- growth in parts of the country that have had nal focus on how the access to metals is to be a downward population trend for a considera- safeguarded. The issue has come to the fore ble period of time. The expansion of the mi- as a result of rapid economic development ning industry is proof of the strong connec- in countries such as China, India and Brazil, tion between urban and rural areas. In addition to the production of ore for the extraction of metals, Sweden’s bedrock provi- des good-quality natural stone that has a good international reputation and is exported all over the world. Material is also taken from the bedrock and used for various construction pur- poses that are necessary for society. Minerals with special physical or chemical properties are used in industrial processes and products. The production of ore for metal manufac- ture, mineral products for industrial processes and rock and stone material for building pur- poses all presuppose the extraction of valuable material from the bedrock. The conditions for ore, industrial mineral and aggregate produc- tion are quite similar and they all face very much the same challenges. They are therefore dealt with together in this minerals strategy.

Alloying material, ferromaganese (FeMn), SSAB Tunnplåt AB, Luleå. Photo: Stig-Göran Nilsson.

8 The right conditions for a strong Swedish mining and minerals industry

Most of Sweden is part of a primary rock and metal has been extracted in the country formation which in turn is part of the Fen- for 4000 years. The oldest stone churches date noscandian Shield. The Fennoscandian Shield back to the 11th century and during the same stretches over Sweden, Finland and northwest period, mining began in earnest in the central Russia as well as over parts of Norway. It con- Swedish region of Bergslagen in the form of tains plentiful ore deposits. The primary rock extracting iron from ore and the establish- is also of high quality from a building and ma- ment of mining districts. Historically, the terial point of view. Globally there are few pri- copper mine at Falun, the silver mine at Sala mary rock formations, a fact that makes the and iron ore mining in central Sweden have Fennoscandian Shield interesting for mineral all been of considerable significance for the extraction both in a European and an inter- Swedish economy. During the 18th century, national perspective. The mining of ore and Bergslagen was made up of one large industri- minerals has characterised Swedish history al landscape consisting of mines and smelting

The Fennoscandian Shield is a unique primary rock formation with rich ore deposits, in contrast to the bedrock that dominates the geology of the rest of Europe. Source: SGU.

9 The mining industry in Sweden 2012, mines and quarries

Mines and quarries are spread over the entire country. The ore mines are concentrated in the north while industrial minerals and natu- ral stone quarries can be mostly found in the south. Aggregate quarries are found all over Sweden. The largest quarries are close to major population centres. Source: SGU.

10 works. From the beginning of the 20th century mined in southern Sweden. Several rock-types and onwards, the mines of Västerbotten and in the Swedish bedrock are suitable for the Norrbotten in the very north of Sweden, not production of durable aggregate. Crushed pro- least the iron ore mines in Kiruna and Malm- ducts are used in the construction of e.g. roads, berget, have formed the backbone of the Swe- railways and concrete. Aggregate quarries can dish mining and metals industry At the end of be found all over Sweden. 2012, Sweden had 16 active ore mines. Iron ore According to data from the SGU, there is mined in Kiirunavaara, Malmberget, Dan- could be as many as 30 metal mines in Sweden nemora and Pajala while sulphide ore and gold in 2020 compared to the current number of are mined on other sites. The Kiruna mine is 16. By 2030, there may be as many as 50 mines the largest underground iron ore mine in the in operation in Sweden. This forecast is based world. Aitik, located twenty kilometres east of on assessments of the mining capacity in pro- Gällivare, is Europe’s largest copper mine and jects that have been given or have applied for is also Sweden’s largest gold producer. Mine- a processing permit and where active efforts rals that are important for the process indu- to implement the projects are being made. stry and unique types of stone that are inter- The forecast assumes that all these projects nationally renowned for their high quality are will become operational mines.

Figure 3. At the end of the 1910s, there were nearly 500 mines in Sweden producing almost eight million tonnes of ore. A mere 50 years ago, there were still around 100 mines in Sweden producing about twenty million tonnes of ore. Today, Sweden mines nearly 70 million tonnes of ore per year. According to the sector’s own forecasts, compiled by the Swedish Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU), ore production may amount to nearly 120 million tonnes in 2020. There were 16 mines in operation at the end of 2012. The total volume of ore extracted in Swedish mines is estimated to be about 2 900 million tonnes. The known volume of ore in Swedish mines is currently estimated at 3 494 million tonnes, although this volume is increasing as new exploration is being carried out. 11 In 2020, ore production is expected to prices, this share corresponds to just over SEK amount to 120 million tonnes, which is 75 30 billion (EUR 3.6 billion)2. percent more than in 2011, when production In a 2012 survey ranking the investment was 68 million tonnes1. SGU estimates that climate for establishing exploration and mi- production in 2030 will amount to 150 million ning activities in 93 regions and countries, tonnes. The percentage of iron ore is expected Sweden was in the top ten3. The survey took to rise from 46 percent in 2011 to 50 percent in several factors into consideration, such as the 2020 but then fall back to 44 percent in 2030. potential for mineral deposits in the regions In 2010, the Swedish mining and minerals and countries, political stability, security in industry employed 8 400 people and it is a the country or region, level of corruption, very important sector for Swedish exports. Its permitting systems, environmental assess- share of Swedish commodity exports has ri- ment system and land use, infrastructure, tax sen consistently since 1998 and in 2011 amoun- burden, access to geological data and skilled ted to 12 percent. In absolute terms, the mi- labour, etc. Apart from Sweden, the ten hig- ning and minerals industry supplies export hest ranked regions or countries in terms of products with a value of just over SEK 145 bil- investment climate included Finland, Ireland lion (EUR 17.5 billion). The industry’s share of and various territories and states in Canada Swedish GDP has increased during the 2000s and the United States. and in 2010 amounted to 0.85 percent. In fixed

1SGU, Metals and Minerals newsletter, December 2011. 2Statistics Sweden, National Accounts 2012. 3The Fraser Institute, Survey of Mining Companies 2011/2012, 2012.

12 Manufacture of pellets from collected flue dust, Fundia Special Bar AB, Smedjebacken Photo: Stig-Göran Nilsson, Jernkontoret

13 Sweden’s mining and minerals industry in an international perspective

The global population is continuing to rise not produced at all in Europe and the EU. EU and is expected to reach nine billion by 2050. Member States have therefore taken a num- In 2060, it is assumed that two-thirds of the ber of steps in order to safeguard the supply world’s population will live in urban areas. The of raw materials. Particular interest has been number of “mega-cities” is therefore expected directed at rare earth metals, due to the fact to rise. This will put huge demands on the avai- that global production is concentrated to so lability of metals and minerals to keep up with few countries. China is thought to be respon- societal development. Such major urbanisation sible for about 95 percent of the global pro- also throws up issues linked to land and resour- duction of rare earth metals. Concern over the ce use as well as environmental impact. dominance of individual countries as regards The EU needs to import considerable volu- raw materials and minerals along with restric- mes of metals to meet the demands of socie- tive trade measures have sparked an interest tal development. EU Member States use 25-30 at international organisations like the OECD percent of the global production of metals in discussing and analysing the current situa- while producing only about three percent tion and likely trends. In 2012, for example, the themselves. Sweden is the EU’s leading iron OECD published reports on measures restric- ore producer, producing as much as 93 percent ting the export of raw materials4 and measures of the total. Sweden is also among the leading controlling exports of specific commodities5. producers in the EU of the base metals cop- In November 2008, the European Commis- per, zinc and lead and the precious metals gold sion presented a strategy for meeting Europe’s and silver. Certain other important metals are critical needs for non-energy raw materials to

The Europe 2020 strategy described five targets to be achieved by 2020, namely: 1. Employment: Increasing the employment rate of the population aged 20-64 to 75 percent. 2. R&D: Investing three percent of GDP in research and development (R&D). 3. Climate and energy: Reducing carbon emissions by 20 percent (and by 30 percent if conditions permit), increasing the share of renewable energies by 20 percent and increasing energy efficiency by 20 percent. 4. Education: Reducing the school drop-out rate to less than 10 percent and increasing the proportion of tertiary degrees to at least 40 percent among 30-34 year-olds. 5. Poverty and social exclusion: Reducing the number people threatened by po- verty and social exclusion by 20 million.

4OECD, Taking stock of measures restrictions the export of raw material, OECD trade policy papers No 140. 5OECD, Regulatory transparency in multilateral agreements controlling exports of tropical timber, e-waste and conflict diamonds.

14 Limestone, 20-40 mm, SSAB Tunnplåt AB, Luleå Photo: Stig-Göran Nilsson, Jernkontoret. promote growth and jobs, known as “The raw Under these areas, there are seven flagship materials initiative”6. This initiative was built initiatives. In the area of sustainable growth, on three pillars: A resource-efficient Europe is presented, and in smart growth we can find the • Safeguarding access to raw materials on Innovation Union initiative including the the global market. European Innovation Partnership (EIP) instrument. The partner- • Fostering a sustainable supply of raw ships shall act throughout the entire research materials from European sources. and innovation chain to increase research and • Promoting resource efficiency and recy- demonstration, coordinate investments in de- cling. monstration and pilot schemes, predict rapid and necessary amendments to ordinances and The Commission has since delivered its com- standards, and mobilise demand. There are munication “Tackling the challenges in com- EIPs in areas such as active and healthy age- modity markets and on raw materials”7 which ing, water, agriculture and raw materials. is a follow-up to the raw materials initiative. Another target is the creation of EIT (Euro- According to “Europe 2020 – A strategy pean Institute of Innovation and Technology), for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth”8 which is to stimulate European sustainable a greener, more resource-efficient and more growth and competitiveness by strengthening competitive economy built on skills is to be innovation capacity and innovative impact. developed. Special KICs (Knowledge Innovation Commu- The growth strategy 2020 comprises the areas: nities) have been established to achieve this. • Smart growth. There will soon be a KIC for raw materials. • Sustainable growth. The EU has called on the Member States to develop national mineral strategies. Finland9 • Inclusive growth. and Germany10 presented their mineral stra- • Financial governance. tegies in 2010. Finland is looking to safeguard

6European Commission, The raw materials initiative - meeting our critical needs for growth and jobs in Europe, COM(2008) 699, 2008. 7European Commission, Tackling the challenges in commodity markets 9Geological Survey of Finland, Finland’s Minerals Strategy, ISBN: 978- and on raw materials, COM(2011) 25, 2011 952-217-133-7, 2010. 8European Commission, Europe 2020 – A strategy for smart, sustainable 10Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, The German and inclusive growth, COM (2010) 2020, 2011 Government’s raw materials strategy, www.bmwi.de, 2010.

15 access to raw materials, reduce environmental was submitted to the Government by SGU in impact, increase productivity during extrac- March 201112. tion and strengthen R&D activities whereas International work on mining and mineral Germany is focusing on strengthening the policy issues is ongoing in a number of confi- participation of German enterprises in mi- gurations in which Sweden participates. The ning operations and metal extraction world- European Commission is working on raw ma- wide. There are also examples outside the EU. terials issues, for example, via the Raw Materi- Norway, for example, is currently working on als Supply Group, an advisory body convened a minerals strategy and another has been pre- by DG Enterprise. Regarding metals, there are sented for the province of Quebec in Cana- a few international commodity bodies (ICB), da11. Background data and documentation that such as the International Copper Study Group form the basis of a Swedish minerals strategy (ICSG), the International Lead and Zinc Stu- dy Group (LZSG) and the International Nick- el Study Group (INSG). These organisations are primarily forums where governments, central agencies and other stakeholders can meet to discuss mining and minerals issues. They focus mostly on compiling statistics and analyses of the market and disseminating in- formation. They also participate and support their member countries in various forms of development and foreign aid projects within their respective specialist areas. Some of these projects are financed by the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), of which Sweden is a member and which is devoted to using the voluntary contributions it receives to support, both financially and from a knowledge per- spective, projects that involve several member countries. Such international projects should preferably be of a pilot project nature. Inter- national metal and mineral issues can also be dealt within the UN, the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, the Arctic Council and as part of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. In order to maintain an overview of inter- national initiatives and strategies in the area, Sweden needs to participate continuously in the relevant configurations, not least when it comes to EU work both on the council level and in special projects.

Photo: Boliden.

11Gouvernement du Quebec, Preparing the Future of Quebec’s Mineral Sector, ISBN: 978-550-52918-7, 2009. 12SGU, En kraftfull svensk mineralstrategi – inriktning, innehåll, uppläggning av arbeten, Dnr 04-2095/2011, 2011.

16 The Swedish framework

Swedish bedrock can be said to consist of rals Act, e.g. issues relating to exploration per- two types of minerals; concession minerals mits and permits to mine concession minerals. and landowner minerals. The Chief Mining Inspector grants permits for the extraction of Exploration permits concession minerals and the terms and condi- An exploration permits gives the holder ex- tions governing such a license are set down in clusive rights to exploration (prospecting) and the Swedish Minerals Act (1991:45). Landow- priority rights to a mining permit (exploita- ner minerals are extracted according to agre- tion concession). Before exploration work ements between the landowner, who makes starts, the permit-holder must draw up a work the land available, and the enterprise that will plan. This work plan must be communicated mine the minerals. to the owner/s of the land where the explo- The mining of both types of minerals must ration will take place. Landowners then have fulfil the same environmental requirements as the right to submit comments on the con- other industrial activities. Prior to the extrac- tent of the work plan. If the landowner/s and tion of ore and minerals, the planned activi- prospector cannot agree on how the work is ties must be tested against the provisions laid to be performed, the Chief Mining Inspector down in the Swedish Environmental Code will adjudicate and establish the work plan. and the Swedish Planning and Building Act When performing exploration work, other (2010:900). regulations governing the area must also be followed. These may be e.g. local nature con- The Swedish Minerals Act servation regulations, provisions under the The Mining Inspectorate of Sweden is an or- Cultural Heritage Act (1988:950) or the Off- ganisational unit at the Geological Survey of Road Driving Act (1975:1313) Sweden (SGU). The Inspectorate is headed by the Chief Mining Inspector, who decides on Exploitation concession issues in accordance with the Swedish Mine- The Chief Mining Inspector decides on

Brief facts • Concession minerals are certain mineral substances and industrial mi- nerals. The term also covers oil, gaseous hydrocarbons and diamonds. • Landowner minerals are minerals that belong to the landowner. Ex- amples of landowner minerals include limestone and quartz. • More than 99 percent of the Swedish bedrock is made up of landow- ner minerals. • The provisions governing concession minerals are based on a com- mon national interest in mine working and the minerals industry. • The public interest in mining and utilising minerals has been deemed to be strong enough to fulfil the conditions laid down in the Swedish Constitution governing the encroachment of landowners’ rights.

17 exploitation concessions pursuant to pro- of any damage or detriment caused. visions in the Swedish Minerals Act. If the The Environmental Code also contains ba- exploration work done indicates there are sic provisions concerning the management of deposits of such quality that they would be land and water areas. The basic rule is that land economically profitable to extract and that and water areas are to be used for the purpose their geographical location is suitable with or purposes for which they are best suited. Pri- regard to the principles of natural resource ority shall be given to use that promotes good management, the Chief Mining Inspector management from a public interest point of may grant an exploitation concession. An ex- view. Some areas are pinpointed in the legis- ploitation concession is normally granted for lation as areas of national interest and within 25 years. The Chief Mining Inspector also es- these areas, no measures may be taken that do tablishes the level of compensation that the obvious harm to such an area’s identified va- mining enterprise must pay to the landowner lue, with certain specified exceptions. and to the state, the “minerals fee”. The mi- Apart from the areas of national interest nerals fee was introduced in 2005 and means that are identified in the Code, certain agen- that the landowner is entitled to 0.15 percent cies, pursuant to the provisions in the Ordi- of the value of the minerals and the state is nance (1998:896) on Land and Water Manage- entitled to 0.05 percent. ment, are to supply information on areas they deem to be of national interest for various The Environmental Code purposes. Such agencies include the Sameting The overall purpose of the Environmental (Sami parliament), which is responsible for Code is to promote sustainable development supplying information on areas of national that will assure a healthy and sound environ- interest for reindeer husbandry, the Swedish ment for present and future generations. All Environmental Protection Agency (Swedish those who pursue an activity, or intend to do EPA) for similar information on natural va- so, must take the precautionary measures that lues and recreation, the Swedish National He- are necessary to prevent, hinder or combat da- ritage Board, for the preservation of the cul- mage or detriment to human health or the en- tural environment and the SGU for deposits vironment. An establishment or expansion of of valuable substances or minerals. The claims a quarry or mine will not be possible without made by agencies regarding areas of national the project being tested against the provisions interest are not legally binding, however, until of the Environmental Code. The Environ- they become relevant within the framework mental Code contains general rules of con- of a permit assessment. If, in such an assess- sideration, for example a basic principle that ment, an area is deemed to be of national in- measures are to be taken as soon as there is a terest, measures must not be taken within it suspicion that there might be a risk to human if they cause obvious damage to the interest. health or the environment and a principle that If an area is of national interest for several in- it is the polluter who pays for the remediation compatible purposes, priority is to be given to

Brief facts

Granted Granted New mines in exploration exploitation operation permits concessions 2009 195 4 1

2010 174 4 4

2011 202 2 1

2012 182 6 3 A total of SEK 783 million (EUR 93.8 million) was invested in exploration in 2011, the highest amount ever. Source: SGU/Bergsstaten

18 the purpose or purposes that promote good The Swedish Planning and Building Act long-term management in the most appro- A new Planning and Building Act (2010:900) priate way. came into force in Sweden in 2011. The aim of Environmental assessment of mining activities the provisions in the act are, with due regard Environmental permits for mining activi- for the freedom of the individual, to promote ties are issued by the Land and Environment social development that provides equal and Court as the first instance. An application good social living conditions and a healthy must include an environmental impact assess- and long-term sustainable living environment ment, a waste management plan and a plan for people in today’s society and for future for how remediation is to be carried out after generations. The act contains provisions on the activities have ceased. An environmental the planning of land and water resources and permit specifies the conditions that apply on building. The term planning here relates both to the operation of the mine and to site to the work done to develop a regional plan, remediation. The environmental permit also a comprehensive plan, a detailed plan or site- includes states that financial security must be specific provisions. Under the act, the plan- submitted to ensure that sufficient resources ning of land and water use is a matter for the are available for remediation in case the en- municipality. Every municipality is to have a terprise lacks the financial capacity to reme- comprehensive plan covering its entire surface diate the site as planned. While the mine is area and is to specify the long-term develop- operating, a supervisory authority checks to ment of the physical environment. The plan see that the conditions specified in the per- is to provide guidance when making decisions mit are being adhered to by the operator. In on how land and water areas are to be utilised the initial stages of the assessment process, and how the built environment is to be used, consultation is sought from all potential sta- developed and preserved. In the new Planning keholders, who will be given information and and Building Act, the strategic focus of the the opportunity to submit comments. Both municipalities’ comprehensive plans has been agencies and the general public are included strengthened in comparison to the previous in the consultation. act (1987:10): The comprehensive plan must specify how the municipality intends to con- sider national and regional objectives, plans and programmes that are important for sus- tainable development. Permitting process from exploration to mine

Exploration Processing Environmental Land allocation and permit concessions permit building permission

Minerals Act Minerals Act Environmental Code Minerals Act Environmental EIA according to EIA according to Chapter 6, Chapter 6, EC Planning and Code EC Assessment according Assessment according Building Act to Chapter 3-4, EC to Chapters 9, 11, EC Mining Mining Land and Mining Inspectorate Inspectorate Inspectorate Environment Court Municipality

Consultation Referral on work plan landowners Referral CAB

Consultation Abbreviations: Certain exploration tasks, EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) e.g. exploration mining requires an EC (Environmental Code) environmental permit 19 The vision of the Swedish minerals strategy

To create growth throughout Sweden by means of sustainable use of the country’s mineral resources, in harmony with environmental, natural and cultural values. Sweden is strengthening its position as the EU’s leading mining and minerals nation. Photo: Benno Kathol/SGU

The Swedish minerals strategy serves as a ba- Up until 2030, the economic cycle will fluc- sis for the Government’s minerals policy. Es- tuate and prolonged periods of recession tablishment of the strategy provides the foun- may well prove challenging for the mining dation for further work and it will be realised industry. Mining is a long-term activity. Pre- in the relevant policy areas in order to achieve dictions of future growth and demand are de- the set objectives. The strategy is to highlight emed to be sufficient to allow planned mining opportunities and challenges, create prerequi- projects to be realised. sites, clarify roles and identify synergies that can be achieved through cooperation. The Strengths, opportunities and challenges vision is permanent but the strategy may be in meeting the vision updated to meet changing circumstances. For Sweden to be able to utilise the opportu- The Swedish minerals strategy has been de- nities provided and to develop the mining and veloped by the Government with assistance minerals industry in a long-term sustainable from SGU and in broad dialogue and coope- fashion, with attractive environments for en- ration with actors and stakeholders on the terprises and individuals, a number of chal- local, regional and national level who contri- lenges must be addressed. bute to and are affected by the activities of The future demand for metals can be dif- the mining and minerals industry. The ap- ficult to predict but there are statistics that proaches highlighted in the minerals strategy can be used as a basis. The figure below il- have been identified based on actor input and lustrates the demand for steel and per capita on the Government’s overall assessments of GDP. At a certain per capita GDP, the curve which measures are important in order to ac- levels out and the demand for steel peters out. hieve the strategy’s objectives and vision. China and India have a long way to go before The fundamental prerequisite is a conti- they reach the per capita GDP of the old eco- nued strong demand for metals and minerals. nomies, which means they will continue to

Brief facts • The OECD’s long-term growth scenarios predict that global growth will be 3.4 percent up until 2017, 3.3 percent up until 2020 and 2.4 percent up until 2050. • Growth in Sweden is forecasted to be 2.5 percent up until 2020, 2.3 percent up until 2030 and 1.8 percent up until 2050. • This growth is sufficient to allow new mining projects to get underway within the set time-frame.

20 Figure 4. Demand for steel in different countries as a function of GDP per capita (USD). Source: SGU. experience a high demand for metals. In ad- global competition is crucial if Sweden, to- dition, continued industrialisation in many gether with other countries, is to contribute regions of the world, including parts of Asia, innovative and sustainable solutions to global South America and Africa will also lead to social challenges that can provide better qua- very high growth and demand for metals. lity of life for human beings, more sustainable Given the continued strong demand for development and green growth. metals and minerals, Sweden is well placed to Today’s strong international focus on raw supply the raw materials and develop the pro- materials means that it is important for Swe- cessing chain needed to meet future needs. In den to be more prominent as a mining nation addition to Sweden’s unique geological poten- and to actively and successfully participate in tial, there are several other prerequisites that international discussions and activities that put the country’s mining and minerals indu- deal with the future sale of raw materials and stry in a good position. their use. Particular focus should be put on mo- Sweden is a world-leader in mining and mi- nitoring and influencing the work of the EU in nerals research and Swedish enterprises are the area of minerals and raw materials and on operating in very efficient clusters in partner- the internal market for these commodities. ship with universities and research institutes. Sweden is seen internationally as an att- The country is also very much in the vanguard ractive country to invest in as regards mi- of recycling technology. ning exploration and operation. In addition Sweden has a capacity for innovation that to Sweden’s good geological prerequisites, its is among the best in the world. The national attractiveness is also influenced by the quality innovation strategy adopted by the Govern- of the country’s infrastructure in the form of ment in the autumn of 2012 is a common roads, railways, harbours, energy and water agenda for a world-class innovation climate supply. Sweden’s institutional preconditions, in 2020 . It spans a number of action areas in the form of its legislation, efficient public that affect all the country’s important sectors sector, taxes and fees, transparency and pre- including the mining and minerals industry. dictability in assessment processes, low level The national innovation strategy underpins a of corruption, etc., make it an attractive coun- Swedish minerals strategy. An innovation cli- try to invest in. It is important to maintain mate that holds its own in the face of tough this attractiveness in the face of the competi-

13Government Offices, National Innovation Strategy, N2011/547/FIN, 2012

21 tion as other countries are also carrying out Environment, Limited Climate Impact and A similar initiatives to strengthen their mining Good Built Environment objectives. and minerals industries. Establishment of the majority of new mines Mining and quarrying have an unavoida- is planned in northern Sweden where there are ble impact on the environment that must environments of high natural and cultural va- be minimised before, during and after ope- lue, an active outdoor life and where the Sami ration. The current rising production of have a long tradition of reindeer husbandry. It minerals and metals must be balanced against is important that the mining expansion takes greater protection of and care for the natu- place in consensus with and with respect for ral environment. Production should increase other industries and values so as not to wea- without jeopardising fulfilment of Sweden’s ken the region’s overall attractiveness. environmental quality objectives, including The initial phase of establishing a mine pla- the Good-Quality Groundwater (extraction ces considerable demands on the municipa- of natural gravel in particular), A Non-Toxic lity in which the mine is being located. Actors with a variety of remits and responsibilities take part in the establishment processes and there must be good dialogue between them to avoid conflicts of interest. In addition to the purely legal processes that must be dealt with by the municipalities, it is important that they promote business and a well-functioning labour market. It is equally important that the municipalities can offer attractive living environments with good access to services, attractive housing environments and recrea- tional opportunities. The regional level has an important supportive role to play in this work. Strategic efforts which take a holistic approach to the needs of mining enterprise employees and their families increase the li- kelihood that they also take up residence in the area thereby avoiding what are known as “fly in/fly out” scenarios. Establishing mines can thereby contribute to more sustainable and diversified growth locally and regionally, which can promote development in other sec- tors and industries. Improving the industry’s attractiveness and image is a key component in attracting qua- lified staff of both sexes to the industry and to increase the intake of students to relevant educational programmes. Joint initiatives by the industry, agencies, regional and local re- presentatives are necessary in order to iden- tify labour and skills requirements based on local and regional conditions. The aim of the Swedish minerals strategy is for Sweden, by using its strengths, to able to tackle challenges and utilise the opportuni- ties presented so that we continue to develop as the EU’s leading mining nation. Dala sandstone with desiccation cracks. Photo: J-O Svedlund/SGU.

22 Challenges:

• To create attractive environments for businesses and individuals. • To maintain and develop enterprises’ capacity for innovation. • To recruit skilled labour to meet the needs of the industry and the regions. • To expand the mining and minerals industry with respect for and in harmony with reindeer herding rights, other industries and natural and cultural values while fulfilling Sweden’s environmental quality objectives. • To expand the mining and minerals industry so that it provides regional as well as national growth. Opportunities:

• More value added on products. • Increased international profile and activity. • Increased exports of Swedish mining technology. Strengths:

• Good geological prerequisites. • A strong innovation climate and strong research and innovation environments. • Good investment climate with good institutional conditions. Threats:

• Receding demand for metals and minerals. • Lack of consensus and dialogue among actors leads to opportunities not being utilised to their full potential.

23 Five strategic areas for long-term sustainable minerals use

A mining and minerals industry in har- to growth throughout society. Resource effi- mony with the environment, culture and ciency makes it possible for the economy to other industries create more with less, deliver greater value with less effort, use resources in a sustaina- Growth in the mining and minerals industry ble way and minimise environmental impact. must take place with respect for and in har- Resource efficiency can therefore lead to both mony with environmental values, cultural environmental benefits and new business environments and other industries. A long- opportunities. term sustainable mining and minerals indu- A significant resource base for metal pro- stry tackles the negative environmental ef- duction is stored in society in the form of fects it causes in a lifecycle perspective. This end-of-life products and this should be utili- means that sustainable technologies are used sed to a greater extent. Recycling and the opp- for exploration and exploitation. Mining ope- ortunity to use substitute materials reduces rations are efficient in terms of materials, -en the EU’s dependence on imports of primary ergy and water use. This is achieved as a result mineral raw materials and improves the envi- of waste prevention, recycling, use of new and ronmental balance. By using end-of-life ma- substitute materials and using chemical and terials as raw materials, new metal and mine- biological enrichment methods that do not ral products can be manufactured efficiently have a negative environmental impact. Emis- from both a materials and energy point of sions are generally low and environmental im- view. Metals can be infinitely recycled wit- pact is measured and managed. Mining areas hout their unique properties deteriorating. are restored or remediated so that new natu- Recycling on its own is not sufficient however ral or cultural values emerge after operations to meet the growing societal need for metals have ceased. Sustainable development is to be and minerals, making the extraction and pro- business-driven but the Government calls on cessing of virgin raw materials still necessary. businesses to follow the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the UN Guiding Greater resource efficiency Principles on Business and Human Rights and Objective: To extract ore and mi- the UN Global Compact. nerals from Swedish bedrock with A broader focus than simply on geological greater resource efficiency. The recy- extraction creates value added and contributes cling rate of end-of-life metallic and

Conglomerate rock in Hykjeberg. Photo: J-O Svedlund/SGU.

24 mineral products and of process waste is to increase and waste volumes are to be reduced.

The objective of EU work on resource effi- ciency is economic growth without a simultan- eous increase in resource consumption. The ex- traction of minerals and metals is responsible for a considerable share of total energy con- sumption both nationally and globally. This share is increasing as demand increases and de- posits become increasingly difficult to access. Processes for the production of metals and mi- nerals need to be even more resource-efficient Picture shows amphibole aggregate in a transformed and the mining industry needs to further volcanic rock-type close to the iron ore in Persberg, reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases. western Bergslagen. Microscope image in Recycling and reuse are one of the most en- cross-polarised light. Photo: Erik Jonsson/SGU. ergy-efficient measures that can be taken to reduce the environmental impact of the mi- ning and minerals industry. The recycling of and the use of natural gravel, which is a finite minerals and metals can, and needs to be in- resource, should be reduced. The blasted rock creased. This is true for traditional materials waste, or “shot rock”, produced during major of considerable economic significance such infrastructure and construction projects, is as iron, aluminium and copper, where recyc- currently seen as a by-product. This rock can ling rates are already relatively high. It is even be used instead of natural gravel as ballast more applicable to new, rarer metals that are material in various applications as long as it is expected to be of crucial importance to the processed appropriately. Residual stone from development of future energy solutions and rock breaking can be used as a substitute ma- for which global recycling rates are low. Ex- terial. There is currently no complete docu- amples of such metals are lithium in batteries, mentation or any compiled data on how much gallium, germanium, indium and tellurium in this might be. To increase resource efficiency solar cells, and rare earth metals such as neo- and be able to satisfy society’s requirement dymium and dysprosium in catalytic conver- for ballast, a system needs to be developed ters and permanent magnets. to receive data on produced volumes of shot Sweden has a long and successful tradition rock. This production data can then be used of recycling to build on. Recycling should be together with the data that is available on pro- developed further. Rare metals can already be duction from gravel pits and stone quarries to found today in end-of-life products which are increase total resource efficiency and reduce often collected for the recycling of steel, cop- the use of natural gravel. This would be in per and precious metals. As the use of these line with one of the targets within the envi- rare metals increases, the volumes of end-of- ronmental quality objective of Good-Quality life products that become available for recyc- Groundwater, which stipulates reduced use of ling are becoming increasingly commercially natural gravel. viable. This recycling may demand technolo- The European raw materials initiative pro- gies and approaches that are different to tradi- poses ten measures. The first of these measu- tional scrap metal management. Recycling of res is to define critical raw materials. Finland’s new metals may need to be promoted so that minerals strategy defines this by means of Swedish enterprises can also benefit from im- a table of 14 “critical”, 11 “economically very minent developments in Europe. important” and 15 “ economically important” There is also potential for improving resour- metals and minerals that relate to the EU’s ce efficiency and increasing the use of mined definition. For each metal or mineral the stra- material for use as aggregate. Greater use of tegy states whether there is mining activity crushed rock as ballast should be promoted or potential deposits in Finland. There is as

25 yet no similarly fundamental and integrated natural and cultural values that are a resour- knowledge on these critical raw materials and ce both for the business sector and to create even less on the recycling status per metal and attractiveness for individuals, for example in mineral. the form of recreational areas, reindeer hus- To increase the resource efficiency of the mining bandry and tourism. The mining of aggre- and minerals industry, it is proposed within the gate is restricted to a slightly less extent to a framework of the minerals strategy that: specific location since rock types of suitable • SGU be given the task of performing an quality can often be found on several sites. analysis of the extraction and recycling For economic and practical reasons, however, potential for various metal and mineral the mining needs to be done close to where assets in Sweden in partnership with the the aggregate is to be used. The long-distance Swedish EPA and with the support of transportation of heavy aggregate should be the mining and recycling industries. The avoided from the point of view of both the analysis is to be linked to the total supply environment and profitability. requirement in the whole of Europe. The Potential for growth can be found in iden- findings of such an analysis could form tifying and realising synergies between the one of several bases to stimulate more ef- mining and minerals industry and other in- ficient use of Swedish metal and mineral dustries. The mining industry, like forestry resources, show how Sweden can contri- and windpower projects, is dependent on bute to the European supply situation and infrastructure for transport, which provides identify potential business opportunities. scope for cooperation. The tourism sector is also a transport-intensive industry. • SGU be given the task of working together Coordination and dialogue among the indu- with the Swedish EPA, with the support stries and activities that lay claim to the same of the Swedish Transport Administration land must be promoted. A situation that often and the National Board for Housing, Buil- arises when planning mineral extraction and ding and Planning, to submit proposals that requires careful consideration is when for how a system for reporting shot rock the planned mine is located within a reindeer production data can be designed and used herding area. The Sami right to land and wa- together with data that has already been ter, the reindeer husbandry right, is founded compiled on the production of crushed on traditional/ancient customs and is a pre- rock and natural gravel. Improved statis- requisite for reindeer husbandry. Reindeer tics on ballast production including shot husbandry is protected in the Swedish con- rock will help provide a better planning stitution and regulated by the Reindeer Hus- basis and better monitoring of the target bandry Act (1971:437). Reindeer husbandry is to reduce natural gravel use. a basic prerequisite of Sami culture, which is also protected in Sweden’s Instrument of Go- Better dialogue and synergy with vernment. The Government takes measures other activities aimed at promoting a vibrant Sami culture, based on ecologically sustainable reindeer Objective: To extract minerals with husbandry and other Sami industries, and at respect for and in harmony with other strengthening the Sami’s capacity to influen- industries. If there is competitive land ce. The Sami are also recognised as Sweden’s use, dialogue is to start at an early only indigenous people. stage and consensus solutions are to Key reindeer herding areas are also exposed be investigated. Synergies with other to a number of other activities in addition to industries are to be sought. mining operations, including wind and water Ore and minerals can only be mined where power and infrastructure such as roads and there are viable deposits in the bedrock. The railways, which can make reindeer husbandry location of a mine is determined exclusively more difficult in these areas. The cumulative by the position of the mineral deposit. Me- consequences of other interests in the local talliferous ores are mostly found in northern environment can also make it difficult for re- Sweden, where there are also considerable indeer herders to use alternative grazing areas.

26 The figure below shows a picture of northern To promote greater cooperation and synergy Sweden, on which areas deemed to be of na- between the mining and minerals industry tional interest under the Environmental Code, and other industries, it is proposed within or deemed by the competent authorities to be the framework of the minerals strategy that: of national interest, as well as other areas of • The Norrbotten County Administrative public interest (e.g. national parks and Natura Board be given the task to head a project 2000 sites) are marked. The figure clearly il- to develop a manual for consultation and lustrates how the land-based distribution of communication between reindeer hus- different interests varies and how several inte- bandry and the mining industry during rests overlap in major areas. the permitting process for exploration and exploitation. Both the industries’ sec- tor organisations, the Sameting (Sami Par- liament) and the Mining Inspectorate of Sweden, are to be given the opportunity to take part in this project

National interests, claims of na- tional interests and other areas of public interest in northern Sweden. Source: SGU.

27 Mining communities with attractive environments, the mining and minerals indu- natural and cultural environments stry can be strengthened as a sustainable in- dustry with a long-term future. Objective: To ensure that new mining For some considerable time, the mining communities in Sweden are establis- and minerals industry has shaped both com- hed and developed based on a holistic munities and landscapes. In many cases, the perspective that promotes sustainable industry has created cultural environments of community planning. Considera- considerable value. In Kiruna and Malmber- ble concern is to be shown for both get, many actors have been involved in recent cultural and ecological dimensions. years in discussions on how these historical Natural and cultural values should prerequisites can best be utilised. The central be utilised to promote attractive living Swedish district of Bergslagen has a thousand- environments. year history of mining that has left its imprint By planning proactively to ensure a rich range on the landscape. It is here that one can find of cultural activities when establishing and the Falu Mine World Heritage Site. The histo- developing mining communities and to pre- rical traces of the mining industry are today serve and utilise valuable natural and cultural valuable parts of the cultural landscape and are of fundamental significance for the living environments of many people. The environ- ments are also very important for the tourist industry. The presence of both active and his- torical mines in the same area leads to greater interest from both local residents and visitors. The fact that there is a deeply rooted histo- ry also has a very positive effect on the scope for developing today’s mining industry. It is a question on the one hand of cultural heri- tage being an important part of the Swedish mining industry’s brand and on the other of the existence of considerable knowledge and a deep understanding of how a mine operates within traditional mining communities. The mining and minerals industry has a great deal to gain from utilising centuries-old cultural he- ritage. Mining tourism should have plenty of development potential and be able to contri- bute substantially to creating growth and jobs. To promote attractive natural and cultural environments in new and existing mining com- munities, it is proposed within the framework of the minerals strategy that: • The Swedish National Heritage Board be given the task of developing, collecting and disseminating best practice as regards how the cultural environment can be uti- lised and become an important resource in areas where mines are reopened. This task should also include striving to ensure that cultural heritage is utilised by both the mining industry and tourism and pro- moting collaboration between them. The Falu Mine, which was closed in 1992 after more than a thousand years task should focus primarily on Bergslagen of mining, is today a popular tourist destination and world heritage and be performed in cooperation with the monument. Photo: Falu Mine.

28 relevant county administrative boards, ac- matching on the labour market, higher costs tors who are responsible for coordinating for the individuals and businesses and poo- regional growth initiatives, and in consul- rer public services. These are examples of the tation with other stakeholders. challenges that have to be faced by the various actors if the potential of the mining and mi- Dialogue and cooperation to promote nerals industry is to be fully utilised. innovation and growth The expansion of the mining industry is of Cooperation between central government, strategic importance for growth and employ- municipalities, regions, the business sector ment on both the regional and the national and interest groups creates the conditions level. The objective of regional growth policy needed to improve local and regional attrac- is to create momentum for development in all tiveness and national growth. Good dialogue parts of the country with strengthened local and clear distribution of responsibility among and regional competitiveness. stakeholders provide an important basis for The National Strategy for Regional Compe- stimulating greater competitiveness, more titiveness, Entrepreneurship and Employment jobs and growth in the mining and minerals 2007-2013 constitutes the political platform industry as well as in the business sector as a for strategic priorities and provides guideli- whole in areas affected by large-scale initiati- nes for collaboration among stakeholders on ves. The latter is not least important in order the local, regional and national level. The Go- to create an efficient overall labour market, vernment also contributes by implementing which also benefits the mining and minerals various measures to strengthen the attractive- industry. Timely and clear information when ness of the country’s regions. In 2012-2014, the establishing new mines and quarries also crea- Government is implementing Attractiveness tes common objectives and enables proactive Sweden, an arena for dialogue and coopera- planning work to be implemented. tion to promote attractive living and housing environments. The initiative focuses on local Promotion of societal development and and regional driving forces and the responsi- regional growth bility for utilising and developing a region’s Objective: To ensure that each unique opportunities for greater attractive- mining area has the opportunity to ness. Municipalities, county councils, regio- grow based on its own specific prere- nal cooperation councils, agencies, businesses, quisites. Mining regions and mining interest groups and the civil society are all municipalities are to attract, retain invited to Attractiveness Sweden to discuss and develop activities, skills, busines- prerequisites and tools. ses and capital so that they contribute competitively and in the long term to The responsibility for coordinating national growth. regional growth work in each county lies with the following actors: Many of the raw materials needed to build ho- mes and infrastructure can be found in regions • The cooperative body in 13 counties. dominated by rural communities. The expan- • County councils in Skåne, sion of the mining industry is proof of the Västra Götaland and Halland as well as strong connection between urban and rural areas. Rural areas contribute to development the Municipality of Gotland. and sustainable development in cities and • The county administrative boards in towns just as cities and towns are important Stockholm, Västmanland, for rural areas. Even though these natural re- Västernorrland and Norrbotten. sources, along with attractive cultural and na- tural environments and large open spaces for The task involves, for example, coordinating business operations, are a source of strength, the regional plethora of actors and adapting rural areas face a number of major challenges. sectorial interests to a regional context. The population base is small and is still dimi- To help them in their task, these actors have nishing in many, although not all, rural areas. a variety of different tools and methods. Things are further apart. This leads to poorer

29 ”Creutz hoist room at Falu Mine was built in 1855 and is Sweden’s only preserved hoist room for the hoisting of ore from several different mine shafts.” Photo: Falu Mine.

In the work on the National Innovation million (EUR 240 000) per housing unit has Strategy, actors from all parts of society on been removed. As a result of this decision, the the local, regional and national level, in broad state can contribute towards home-building dialogue with the Government, have been loans in parts of the country where the mar- mobilised to create a common agenda for a ket value is lower than the construction costs. stronger innovation climate in 2020. The inn- State credit guarantees for loans for building ovation strategy highlights the importance of new homes are administrated by the Swedish Sweden’s regional innovation environments Board of Housing, Building and Planning. The being globally attractive and of Sweden’s re- Board also offers help with financial calcula- gions developing their innovativeness based tions and project risk assessment. The dif- on their unique prerequisites. ficulties of building homes on weak housing Municipalities where there has been no markets in mining municipalities combined previous mining activities or where disused with a housing shortage and many people wis- mines are being reopened face new issues that hing to move into the area are problems that can be perceived difficult to deal with. The indicate the need for additional measures to establishment of an activity that is as substan- strengthen the capacity of mining municipa- tial as a mining operation can often lay claim lities to build new homes. to a significant share of the municipality’s The municipalities have the responsibility resources for a long period of time in order to for planning the allocation of land areas for deal with the necessary decisions and measu- aggregate quarries used during the construc- res. Furthermore, the municipalities must also tion of e.g. roads, railways and housing. In meet requirements for new homes and more order to enable well-founded decisions to municipal services and infrastructure. be taken on where stone and gravel quarries In order to promote the building of new are to be located, sound background docu- homes on subdued housing markets, the mentation and decision support systems are Government has recently adopted amended necessary. Within the framework of SGU’s terms and conditions for state credit guaran- work on the environmental quality objective tees for new housing projects. The ceiling has Good-Quality Groundwater including the been raised to SEK 16 000 (EUR 1 900) per target for reduced consumption of natural square metre and the upper limit of SEK 2 gravel, a methodology is being developed that

30 county administrative boards will be able to that is under way at the agency to de- use when producing regional material supply velop a methodology for how regional plans. A regional plan can support the muni- material supply plans can be implemen- cipalities in their comprehensive and detailed ted. SGU shall also support the county planning work. administrative boards in their use of this methodology and in their use of the To help promote societal development and mapping service currently being develo- regional growth, it is proposed within the fram- ped for this purpose. ework of the strategy that: • The Swedish Agency for Economic and Clearer distribution of responsibility and Regional Growth be given the task of better flow of information among establishing and implementing a natio- industry actors nal programme for major investment Objective: To promote dialogue project planning support from the bu- between actors who are affected by and siness sector. The programme shall aim who contribute to mining and minerals to promote knowledge building, stimu- industry’s operations in order to improve late dialogue, cooperation, the exchange information exchange, enable proactive of experiences and coordination bet- planning work and reduce potential ween municipalities and public actors conflict situations. on the regional and national level. The programme shall also aim to identify The decentralisation of the political respon- and manage the needs associated with sibility for the regional growth policy has led major business sector investment projects to stronger regional autonomy in growth is- so that existing resources are used more sues. At the same time, a shift from hierarchi- efficiently to meet them. cal governance to multi-level governance has taken place. Multi-level governance involves • The Swedish Agency for Economic and building relations and participating in various Regional Growth be given the task of, in network configurations while cutting across cooperation with the Swedish EPA, to territorial and administrative borders. This produce a manual for municipalities in has, among other things, led to a greater need which new mines are about to be set up for coordination in policy implementation. or in which existing mining and quar- In this context, the national level has an im- rying activities are to be expanded. This portant task to perform in offering meeting- manual shall list the measures that need places and channels for good dialogue and to be implemented by the municipality the exchange of information and experience and will act as an aid to the municipality in order to create a clear division of respon- in the dialogue with the developer. The sibility between the business sector, munici- manual shall also show how the process palities, regional cooperation councils, county can be managed and hence how a set of councils, agencies and interest groups in the common objectives can be created in mining and minerals industry. An example of partnership with the developer. how the national level can act as facilitator for • The National Board of Housing, Buil- the mining industry is the Ore-Field Group ding and Planning be given the task of (Malmfältsgruppen) whose task is to promote reviewing the obstacles that are preven- dialogue among actors affected by mining ac- ting an increase in housing production tivities in Sweden’s ore-mining districts. The and what experience there is of how Ore-Field Group has been in operation since municipalities have managed housing 2005 and is headed by the Swedish Minister construction, coupled to the expansion for Enterprise. of the mining industry. Another example of efforts on the national • SGU be given the task, within the fram- level is the recent appointment by the Go- ework of its responsibility for the envi- vernment of a coordinator of issues arising ronmental quality objectives, of further as a result of the mining industry’s expan- developing and finalising the work sion. This coordinator has brought together

31 and facilitated dialogue between actors in the tunity for exchanging information and regions affected by the mining industry’s ex- experience and coordinate business in- pansion. The task includes: identifying pos- telligence and analysis activities. The fo- sible obstacles and needs that arise as a result rum is to be led by the Minister for En- of the substantial expansion of the mining in- terprise and gather together companies dustry; and proposing measures to overcome in the mining and minerals industry, and meet these obstacles and needs. municipalities, actors who are respon- The process from business idea to the ex- sible for coordinating regional growth traction of ore and minerals involves consi- promotion, authorities and sector orga- derations and assessments in accordance with nisations/interest groups who are affec- a number of legal provisions. These relate to ted by and contribute to activities in the issues such as physical planning, exploitation mining and minerals industry. concessions and environmental assessment. Even if the regulatory system itself is predicta- Framework conditions and infrastruc- ble, a number of complicated considerations ture for competitiveness and growth are required in each individual case. Differen- A thorough and efficient environmental assess- ces of opinion between the business operator ment process is crucial for the protection of and the authorities as to what background do- the environment and health and is one of the cumentation is required risk lengthening the cornerstones of Swedish environmental policy. decision-making process as a result of the need An important starting-point for environmen- to submit extensive additional documenta- tal assessment is that the procedure must not tion. This problem is difficult to solve through be more complicated than required with re- legislation. Experience instead suggests that gard to the protection of the environment and the major potential for creating faster and less human health. Shortening lead times is a high- conflict-ridden assessments lies in improved priority issue for the Government. communication between business operators and authorities. Cooperation must take place A clearer and more effective regulatory both proactively during community planning framework and in each individual case. Establishing a forum for dialogue between Objective: To ensure that permit assess- the business sector, municipalities, actors ments for newly established or modified with a responsibility for regional growth ef- operations are implemented in transpa- forts, and authorities can create the long-term rent, efficient and legally secure proces- prerequisites for increased competitiveness ses without jeopardising the fulfilment and growth. The objective of this dialogue is of environmental requirements. to create the conditions for proactive plan- Better information when applying for ning work and reduce conflict situations by exploration permits supplying early information. The parties in Extensive exploration activities are currently the dialogue forum should also coordinate underway in Sweden due to the substantial their business intelligence and analysis ac- interest in minerals extraction. Large-scale tivities to create a comprehensive picture of and active exploration requires many work developments and hence avoid surprises. plans to be established and a large number of landowners have to be informed that work To help stimulate dialogue and clarify the will be carried out on their land. Although division of responsibility, it is proposed within it is common that many properties covered the framework of the strategy that: in an exploration permit are not affected at • A national minerals forum be establis- all by any exploration work, it is understan- hed to follow the implementation of the dable that the growing amount of explora- Swedish minerals strategy and with the tion can lead to questions and concern about task of identifying supplementary mea- what might happen to the land. One way of sures to achieve the strategy’s objectives increasing knowledge and reducing the level and vision. The forum is to promote of concern over what an exploration permit dialogue among actors, provide oppor- involves is to provide landowners, including

32 Evidence of spheroidal weathering at Åsby diabase, Rämma. Photo: J-O Svedlund/SGU. any Sami villages that are affected, with more and environment courts and a land and envi- and better information. This information is ronment court of appeal to replace the pre- to be provided as early as possible in the pro- vious environmental courts, land tribunals and cess and contain relevant details of what will environmental court of appeal. As a result of happen on their land. the reform, the processing of environmental To tackle this issue, the Government ap- cases, cases linked to the Planning and Building pointed a one-man commission in 2011 to Act and property cases has been concentrated review how the system of work plans has to the new courts. The land and environment functioned since it was introduced in the Mi- courts have received additional funding of SEK nerals Act 2005 and to submit proposals for 35 million (EUR 4.2 million) in 2013 and will re- how to improve the information given to lan- ceive another SEK 25 million (EUR 3 million) downers and other relevant stakeholders. The per year as from 2014. This increased funding commission presented the report Exploration will hopefully lead to more efficient handling permits and work plans (SOU 2012:73) at the of mining and quarrying cases. end of 2012. The report was sent out for con- Another measure is the concentration of sultation during the spring of 2013. assessment procedures for operations that re- quire a permit to just 12 county administrative More efficient environmental assessment with boards instead of the previous 21. This is an shorter lead times important reform measure that has been cal- The Government has implemented several led for by the business sector. The county ad- measures to simplify and coordinate environ- ministrative boards will receive an extra SEK mental assessment and shorten lead times. One 40 million (EUR 4.8 million) for 2013, SEK 30 of these measures is the formation of five land million (EUR 3.6 million) for 2014 and SEK 15

33 million (EUR 1.8 million) as from 2015. These extra resources may result in more adminis- trators at the county administrative boards. The boards have also been tasked to report lead times based on when an application is submitted and when it is deemed to be com- plete. The goal is to ensure that an application submitted to an environmental assessment delegation is dealt with within six months from the date a complete application is recei- ved. A report on this task is to be submitted in March 2013. A further measure is the survey and analysis of the permitting process for quarrying ope- rations, classed as “B operations”. The survey/ analysis has been performed by the National Council for Innovation and Quality in Public Administration, appointed by the Governme- nt in May 2011. The Council’s work has invol- ved the land and environment courts, munici- palities and various agencies and resulted in a model for identifying and clearing bottlenecks in the environmental assessment procedure based on a systematic approach. Following on from the Council’s work, the Västerbotten County Administrative Board has been tasked to continue developing the model so that it also covers the permitting of “A operations”, which include mining activities, and to submit proposals for how environmental assessment can be improved. This task may be expanded to include counties other than Västerbotten. It is to be implemented over a two-year period and be reported to the Government at regular intervals. Västerbotten County Administra- tive Board has been allocated SEK 2 million (EUR 240 000) for this purpose. The current provisions on environmental The picture shows white, radial scapolite aggregate on a impact assessments (EIAs) under Chapter 6 crack through the iron ore in Sahavaara, Pajala. of the Environmental Code have been criti- Photo: Erik Jonsson/SGU. cised by both the business sector and muni- cipalities for being complicated and difficult to apply. In addition, the requirements laid down are too rigid and do not give the envi- ronment more protection. The business sector has on several occasions also pointed out that it is the initial phase of the assessment process for environmentally hazardous operations, the phase which includes consultation and the drafting of EIAs, that takes the longest

14Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council time and is most resource-demanding for the of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public enterprise. Work to simplify and improve the and private projects on the environment (EUT L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1, provisions in Chapter 6 of the Environmental Celex 32011L0092).

34 Code is currently ongoing within the Swedish gies between regional objectives, plans and Ministry of the Environment. The aim of this programmes and the municipal comprehensi- work is to develop a more efficient system for ve plan. Cooperation is particularly important identifying, describing and assessing environ- when it comes to major establishments and mental impact, which includes the drafting of activities that don’t just affect the conditions EIAs. In the autumn of 2012, a proposal has in a single municipality, e.g. new mines. On been circulated to a large number of agencies the regional level, it may be a question of ad- and organisations for comments. The Mi- ding a spatial dimension, where geographical nistry of the Environment intends to have a relationships and conditions in the physical, dialogue on the proposal in parallel with the economic and social environment are high- negotiations in the European Council of Mi- lighted in the background documentation nisters’ working group on the Commission’s that forms the basis of the counties’ develop- proposal for amendments to the Environmen- ment strategies. This would help to facilitate tal Impact Assessment Directive . and increase the scope for coordinated ac- tions and cooperation between the local and Guidance when applying for a permit regional level. It may also increase the scope An application for an environmental permit of the municipalities to take a cross-border to perform mining activities is subject to ex- strategic approach to activities that promote tensive assessment in accordance with the sustainable growth. Since the establishment regulations laid down in the Environmental of new mines often affects and is dependent Code. The background documentation sub- on good interaction both within and between mitted by the business operator to the assess- the different sectors and remits of municipa- ment authority is to include detailed descrip- lities, there is a need for planning that goes tions of how the planned activities will be beyond municipal borders. A comprehensive pursued and can be assumed to impact on the plan that covers several municipalities can fa- surrounding natural environment. cilitate each municipality’s detailed planning The business sector has called for clearer gui- work and constitute a basis for discussions on dance as to what background documentation cross-border issues. will be required as a basis for assessment. With In cases where SGU assesses the short-term clearer guidance and guidelines, more comple- and long-term public interest in extracting te background documentation can be submit- minerals in certain areas that are very large, ted to the assessment authority, which in turn the agency earmarks such areas as areas of na- will shorten lead times since there will be less tional interest for mineral extraction. The Go- need to submit supplementary information. vernment is keen to ensure that the national The Government has therefore tasked SGU interest system is fit for purpose and simple to to produce an industry-specific manual on mi- apply in municipal planning work and when ning activity assessment in close cooperation assessing permits. The regulations governing with the Swedish EPA. This manual will be an national interests were introduced many years aid for both the business operator and the rele- ago and since then, as society has developed, vant authorities. SGU is to submit a report on opinions on what is a national interest have this task to the Ministry of Enterprise, Energy changed somewhat. In light of this, the Go- and Communications at the end of May 2013. vernment has ascertained in its 2013 Budget Bill (Govt Bill 2012/13:1, expenditure area 20) Land use and considering different interests that these regulations and their application In order to promote long-term sustainable are in need of an overhaul. As a result, the development, it is important to have good Government intends to appoint an inquiry to cooperation when planning, both among mu- clarify and improve the system. nicipalities and between municipalities and counties, as well as between planning authori- To help improve and clarify the regulations on ties and other activities. The emphasis of the mineral extraction, it is proposed within the Regional Growth Ordinance (2007:713) and framework of the minerals strategy that: the new focus of the Planning and Building • The Swedish Agency for Growth Policy Act are strengthening the link and the syner- Analysis be given the task to, first of all,

35 follow up the actions that have been National Transport Plan 2014-2025. initiated and implemented. When doing The Iron Ore Line between Boden and Riks- this task, the Agency shall take the ex- gränsen and on to Narvik in Norway is cur- periences of business operators into con- rently Sweden’s busiest railway line mainly sideration. Secondly, the Agency shall, running iron ore trains that are up to 750 met- where it is possible, evaluate the effects res long. Ore transport on the Luleå-Riksgrän- of the actions, which includes assessing sen line is expected to rise by over 80 percent whether government funding has been between 2010 and 2020, the majority of this used efficiently. Thirdly, the work is to increase occurring before 2015. The planned include an international comparison expansion in passenger transport between between the environmental assessment Luleå and Kiruna is also to be added to this. processes and regulations of relevant To rectify this expected lack of capacity, the countries when it comes to mining and Government has proposed more resources to quarrying operations. The work shall in- enable investment in greater capacity on the clude a comparison of lead times in the Iron Ore Line. Some sections of the busiest permitting processes. line between Kiruna and Riksgränsen may need to be double-track. These measures will • The Norrbotten County Administrative hopefully satisfy the capacity requirements Board be given the task of running a pi- for freight transport and reduce travelling ti- lot project in 2013 to investigate how a mes between Kiruna and Luleå. At the same comprehensive plan covering several time, robustness and punctuality are also ex- municipalities can be developed aimed pected to improve. at providing support to the municipali- A brand new iron ore mine opened in Pa- ties in their detailed planning work. This jala in the autumn of 2012; an investment of task is to be performed in consultation several hundred million euros. The ore will with the county’s municipalities. The be transported by road to Svappavaara and benefit of such an approach is to be eva- then by rail on the Iron Ore Line to Narvik. luated within the framework of the task. As mining is already underway, improve- ments to the local infrastructure are now a matter of urgency. Among the measures to Infrastructure investments for growth in be taken is the modernisation of the Pajala the mining industry to Svappavaara road so that it can take heavy Objective: To create robust and relia- goods transport. Within the framework of ble infrastructure that meets the needs the action planning, the Swedish Transport of the mining industry. Administration has looked at the possibility of building a rail link between the mining The expanding mining industry is exposing area of Kaunisvaara and the existing railway the shortcomings in Sweden’s transport sys- line in Svappavaara. The Administration will tem as regards its carrying capacity, operation also consider electrification which in the long and maintenance, etc. It is the Government’s term can lead to more efficient transport with opinion that the needs of the mining industry less environmental impact by meeting future must be satisfied quickly in order to make full transport needs with minimum expansion of use of the opportunities provided by the cur- the infrastructure. rent boom in the industry. The Government The Administration will also consider vari- has therefore proposed an investment in mi- ous alternative transport routes to satisfy the ning-related infrastructure of SEK 3.5 billion needs of the mining industry in cooperation (EUR 420 million). This doesn’t just include with relevant stakeholders as part of the ac- investment in the Iron Ore Line (Malmba- tion planning. The various alternatives will nan) and in the road between Pajala and Svap- be highlighted based on a holistic perspective, pavaara, but also other investments in the mi- where the total benefit for all travel and trans- ning industry in, for example, Bergslagen, on port needs, including those of the mining which a final decision is due in the spring of industry, will be taken into consideration. 2014 once the Government has established the These alternatives shall present cost-benefit

36 assessments as well as consider and describe other aspects and consequences, not least en- vironmental impact, but also reloading requi- rements, effects on traffic safety, effects on the possibility of labour commuting and in- terregional accessibility, etc. In connection with the production of back- ground documentation and decisions on the implementation of infrastructure projects, the Transport Administration will look into the scope for cofinancing from different sta- keholders. The Government’s opinion is that the ongoing infrastructure projects shall con- tribute to the achievement of transport po- licy objectives and as a rule of thumb be so- cioeconomically profitable regardless of how they are financed. The same arguments shall apply when prioritising projects irrespective of whether they are cofinanced through contribu- tions or not. Regarding any cofinanced project, its benefit to financial contributors should be an important starting-point. Cofinancing of government transport infrastructure via con- tributions from municipalities, county councils and businesses can be a good way of achieving effective solutions in the transport system.

To help create a robust infrastructure that meets the needs of the mining industry, it is proposed within the framework of the minerals strategy that: • The Swedish Transport Administration, as part its task to investigate new elec- tric propulsion systems for trucks on the road, makes use of the lessons lear- ned from previous and ongoing projects within the Programme for Strategic Vehicle Research and Innovation (FFI). Field tests and pilot facilities are im- portant development steps to ensure the technology is ready for full-scale use.

An innovative mining and minerals indu- stry with an excellent knowledge base The Swedish mining and minerals industry currently faces a number of challenges, to The picture shows brownish yellow crystals, up to which the solutions can be found in research about 1.5 mm, of the lead-antimony-oxychloride and innovation. The mining industry is very mineral nadorite, a character mineral for the com- energy-demanding. Ore is mined at ever-grea- plex and extremely mineral-diversified iron and ter depths and the process must be efficient to manganese ore deposits in western Bergslagen, be profitable at the same time as new demands similar to those found in Långban in Värmland. are being placed on safety measures and on Photo: Erik Jonsson/SGU.

37 knowledge of the bedrock’s geology at greater bour force of the future should be improved depths. The minerals, ballast and stone indu- in order to increase the interest in and the in- stry are facing challenges in terms of energy- take to relevant educational programmes. efficiency in mining and crushing, product development, the environment and safety. Research and innovation that create Investments in research and innovation in the growth and competitiveness mining and minerals field provide new know- Objective: To ensure that Swedish ledge that can be converted into new products research in mining- and mineral- and services as well as increase the industry’s related areas is world-class and growth and competitiveness. With excellent characterised by good cooperation research and a well-functioning innovation between the business sector and the system, Sweden can retain its position as the academic world. Research findings EU’s leading mining and minerals country in are to be applied by the industry and the face of tough international competition. strengthen its competitiveness. Major international research and innova- tion strategies have been announced or are Research in the mining and minerals field ta- in their infancy. It is important to have good kes place to a great extent in close coopera- Swedish representation and active participa- tion between businesses, universities and re- tion in these. Synergies should be sought bet- search institutes. Today’s mining enterprises ween national and international programmes. are very demanding as regards the efficiency An efficient information flow needs to be sa- and safety of mining equipment. This tests feguarded among relevant actors to promote the boundaries of technological development. successful participation. Swedish mining technology research is at the To enable the mining and mineral industry cutting edge and Swedish researchers are ta- to expand at the pace made possible by today’s king part in several major international re- strong demand for metal and minerals, busi- search projects. nesses must have access to a skilled workforce. In its 2013 Budget Bill (Govt Bill 2012/13:1, The signs are that there will be a need for expenditure area 24) and presented in more skilled labour in a wide variety of professions. detail in its Research and Innovation Bill The industry needs to work together with the (Govt Bill 2012/13:30) from October 2012, the relevant actors on the local and regional level Government proposes a number of measures to clarify this need based on local conditions. to strengthen mining, minerals and steel re- The attractiveness of the industry to the la- search from 2013. Between 2013 and 2016, the National Innovation Systems Agency (Vin- nova) will receive SEK 205 million (EUR 24.6 Brief facts: Investments outlined in million) to finance outstanding research in the 2012 Research Bill: the mining, minerals and steel field. Other in- • SEK 205 million (EUR 24.6 million) between vestments are being made that can strengthen 2013 and 2016 on a mining, minerals and mining and minerals research. steel research programme to be headed by The vast majority of Swedish mining and Vinnova. minerals research is international and ta- • Strategic areas of innovation based on societal kes place in close cooperation with research challenges. groups and enterprises operating in other countries. International cooperation provi- • Increase in the strategic skills funding for the des new ideas and new knowledge at the same Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE). time as internationally prominent researchers • Improved scope for recruiting world-class can be recruited to Swedish universities, re- international researchers to Sweden. search institutes and enterprises. Within the • Support to Swedish participation in framework of its presidency of the Nordic Horizon 2020. Council of Ministers in 2013, Sweden has • Funding to facilitate participation in therefore launched the NordMin project - A Nordic Network of Excellence. This project partnership programmes. will run for three years and be coordinated by

38 the Luleå University of Technology. Universi- ties, enterprises and research institutes in the Nordic countries meet within NordMin with the aim of implementing joint research and innovation projects to stimulate green growth within the Nordic mining and minerals indu- stry. The Nordic Council of Ministers is fun- ding the project to the tune of DKK 10 million (EUR 1.34 million) per year for three years. In the forthcoming Horizon 2020 European research programme, access to raw materials is expressed as a societal challenge. Specific raw materials research projects are likely to be announced within Horizon 2020. All in all, there will be plenty of opportunities for Swedish research players in the area of mi- ning, minerals and steel to apply for research funding from both national and international sources. The funding comes from a number of different financiers with a variety of aims, re- gulations and tasks, to which research players will have to keep to. As part of the development of new program- mes at the EU level, open consultations are being carried out to analyse the needs of the business sector and the academic community for targeted research initiatives within speci- fic areas. Strategic research agendas are being Photo: LKAB. written and will later be turned into research projects. To increase the Swedish share of fun- ding from EU programmes, it is important for and minerals research in an internatio- Swedish representatives to work to ensure Swe- nal perspective are to be identified and dish interests are considered in the strategic the strategic benefit of implementing research agendas. initiatives on these is to be assessed. The task shall also include submitting pro- To further stimulate research and innovation posals for how to improve forms of coo- in the mining and minerals industry, it is peration among research players in the proposed within the framework of the minerals mining and minerals area. strategy that: Skills supply that meets the needs of • Vinnova be given the task of perfor- the industry and the regions ming a subject review of the mining and minerals research area in cooperation Objective: To safeguard the supply of with the Swedish Research Council. skills to the industry and the regions This review should contain a biometric by means of close cooperation between evaluation and a survey of historical and the industry and local regional and future research initiatives in the mining national actors. and minerals area. The survey is to iden- Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employ- tify recycling and substitution initiati- ment Service indicate that the mining indu- ves, for which progress reports are to be stry alone may need to recruit around 5 000 presented in 2013 as a basis for the work people over the next few years. The employers’ done within the European Innovation and industrial association for mines, mineral Partnership on Raw Materials. Sweden’s and metal producers in Sweden, SveMin, has strengths and challenges within mining recently published a Vision for Growth for the

39 Swedish mining sector. The vision presents a ence and technology in Sweden has been un- forecast showing that the mining sector may der threat due to the weak interest shown by need to employ 10 000 - 15 000 people up until children and young people in these types of 2025 in order to cope with the expansion. subjects. The Government has therefore car- The labour requirement is expected to be ried out a number of measures to stimulate on all levels, both on the mining and on the interest among children and young people minerals side, where large-scale retirements in science and technology and to safeguard are to be expected. It is, however, the need the future skills base in these subjects on the for academically educated staff, such as geo- Swedish labour market. logists, rock engineers and process engineers, Only national programmes, diploma objecti- that is most urgent since these types of degree ves and subject plans may be used in Sweden’s programmes take several years to complete. new upper secondary school system. Geology The need for mine workers and process ope- is not a subject on its own, but is studied as rators is also considerable. part of subjects such as sustainable society, A survey carried out by SveMin of univer- geography, chemistry, biology and nature sity programmes in relevant subjects for the studies. If there are requests for new cour- mining and minerals industry has shown ses, subjects or special alternatives, applica- that the number of available places is relati- tions to provide them can be submitted to the vely high. The lack of an appropriately skilled National Agency for Education. Every voca- workforce is instead due to the low number of tional programme has a national programme programme applicants. The mining and mine- council linked to it, the aim of which is to lis- rals industry does not seem to be a first-hand ten to and survey the opinions and requests choice for young people when choosing their of the relevant industry and other actors to career path. Efforts should therefore be made improve the programme. The relevant indu- especially by the mining and minerals indu- stry can also communicate to the programme stry to promote itself as an attractive career council any new skill requirements that need proposition with interesting and stimulating to be satisfied within the programme. School jobs. Initiatives to improve gender equality governors, i.e. the municipalities or indepen- within the industry are a key issue when it dent governors, can also profile their program- comes to increasing the recruitment base and mes within the framework of the national enhancing the industry’s attractiveness. programmes. The future skills base in mathematics, sci- A pilot scheme with a four-year upper se- condary technology programme is currently underway. In its 2013 Budget Bill (Govt Bill Brief facts: 2012/13, expenditure area 16), the Government Government education initiatives that can has proposed an extension to the pilot scheme help meet the need for a skilled workforce in for an extra academic year, up to and inclu- the mining and minerals industry include: ding 30 June 2015. The profiles currently on • An assignment given to the National Agency offer within the pilot scheme are Innovation for Education aimed at increasing students’ and Production, Information Technology and Community Planning. In this context, diffe- interest in science and technology. rent industries have the opportunity to sub- • Policy documents and curricula for all forms of mit comments on any skill requirements that education, from preschool up to upper secon- need to be satisfied or might be worth satisfy- dary school, that clarify objectives, content ing within the framework of the extra fourth and knowledge requirements for science and year of the technology programme. technology. The activities at colleges of higher voca- tional education are based on the idea of the • The initiation of a campaign to attract labour market creating educational program- interested students to science and technology mes that can be included in the colleges’ re- teacher training programmes. gulatory framework. The Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education does not run programmes itself, nor can it commis-

40