Sustainable Mining in Europe – The Nordic experience Lars-Åke Lindahl SveMin (Swedish Association of mines, mineral and metal producers) Non-energy mining industry in Europe Bucharest, 15 May 2008 Outline • Introduction • The three pillars of sustainable development/sustainable mining – Economic – Social – Ecology/Environment • Concluding comments Health & Safety Energy Environment Exploration Metalprod. access to land Swedish Association of Mines, issues Mineral and Metal Producers EU- Competence Treaties monitoring with unions The three pillars of Sustainable development • Economic • Social • Ecology/Environment Source: SGU Source: SGU Mines in Sweden Swedish mine production 2006 Metal Production Part of EU Place production Iron 23.3 Mt 89.6 % 1st Gold 6.8 t 32.8 % 1st Silver 292 t 16.9 % 2nd Iron (Poland) Sulphide Gold Zinc 210 Kt 25.4 % 2nd Industrial Minerals (Ireland) Operating Planned Lead 55.6 Kt 30.8 % 2nd (Ireland) Copper 86.7 Kt 12.4 % 2nd (Poland) Source: SGU (Swedish Geological Survey) KIRUNA MINE (LKAB) Automated drillrig, Kiruna mine Remote Controlled Electrical Loader, Kiruna mine THE AITIK MINE (Boliden) Source: SGU Source: SGU The three pillars of Sustainable development • Economic • Social • Ecology/Environment 70 60 Swedish Mining and Mineral Industry (all employees) Lost Day Injury Frequency Rate 1988-2007 50 Occupational Accidents 40 30 20 No. per 1 million worked hours 10 0 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 Under ground 1993 Surface Total 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Mining Industry is important in Sweden • Offers employment in regions with few other major employers • Growth engine in rural areas • Sector with highest future potential according to government report (in these areas) Employment the base for social development! • 1 job in the mine brings 3-4 related jobs (contractors, suppliers, services) • Base for local community services (schools, health care etc), culture and other important social factors The three pillars of Sustainable development • Economic • Social • Ecology/Environment Legislation • EU Directives and regulations • Minerals Act - Approval by Mining Inspector Exploration permit Mining permit (Concession) • Environmental Code • Permit with conditions by the Environmental court Voluntary initiatives • Ethical rules for members of SveMin • Guidelines for exploration • Dam safety guidelines • International Cyanide Code Total emissions from Boliden Ton/Year Swedish Mines 300 250 Air, Cu, Pb, Zn 200 Metaller till vatten (Cu+Pb+Zn) ton/år 150 Water Stoft till luft (Cu+Pb+Zn) ton/år Cu, Pb, Zn 100 50 0 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Year År Cd (µg/g moss dry weight) 19751985 1995 Cd (µg/g mossa torrvikt) 1975 Cd (µg/g mossa torrvikt) 1985 Cd (µg/g mossa torrvikt) 1995 Source: IVL Above 1.20 Above 1.20 Above 1.20 0.80 - 1.20 0.80 - 1.20 0.80 - 1.20 0.60 - 0.80 0.60 - 0.80 0.60 - 0.80 0.50 - 0.60 0.50 - 0.60 0.50 - 0.60 0.40 - 0.50 0.40 - 0.50 0.40 - 0.50 0.30 - 0.40 0.30 - 0.40 0.30 - 0.40 0.20 - 0.30 0.20 - 0.30 0.20 - 0.30 0.10 - 0.20 0.10 - 0.20 0.10 - 0.20 Below 0.10 Below 0.10 Below 0.10 Sulphidic tailings before and after initiation of weathering Non-oxidised Oxidised tailings tailings Conclusion: Avoid oxidation in all stages! Stekenjokk – rehabilitated minesite The Saxberget Decommissioning Application of protective cover Cover completed Grass cover established Gold leaching • Several new plants • Applies international “Cyanide Code” • Closed systems • De-tox (e.g. INCO air/SO 2 process) • Emissions well below EU-requirements The way to success • Dialogue and confidence • Agree on problems • Authorities to set the targets in dialogue with operators and give realistic time frames (the ”What?” and ”When?”) • Industry to develop the technical solutions (the ”How?”) The situation today • Generally low emissions during operation • Technologies exist for safe mine closure Main impact when something goes wrong … Shift in Focus towards • Land use & Biodiversity • Energy consumption • Waste management, long term • Environmental Management Systems • Risk Management (Dam safety, chemicals) Sustainable Mining in Sweden Economic • Global need of ores/metals today and in the future • Sweden has geological potential • Attracts international investments • Competitive and profitable industry • Significant contribution to regional/national economy Sustainable Mining in Sweden Social • Accident rates reduced dramatically, continued efforts • In many regions, mining is driving local and regional development Sustainable Mining in Sweden Environmental • Swedish mining industry is proactive and meets high environmental standards • It is possible to combine mining with a high level of environmental protection and nature conservation (e.g. approval of mining close to Natura 2000) Welcome to ”Securing the Future” and the 8 th ICARD Skellefteå, Sweden, 22 - 26 June 2009 www.securing.skelleftea.se ThankThank youyou forfor youryour attention!attention!.