Photo: LKAB
Sweden is part of the Fennoscandian Shield, which contains a large number of economically recoverable minerals. As only a fraction of the area has been developed to date, the Swedish government encourages increased exploration. Foreign operators with the aim to engage in the sustainable development of Swedish mineral resources will find a stable and transparent permitting process and a supportive pro-mining attitude.
The country’s mineral legislation is clear and transparent.
Stability and predictability characterize not only Swedish society, but also the Swedish mining industry. The country’s mineral legislation is clear and transparent. Swedish Mineral Strategy, a comprehensive policy document released in 2014, outlines the commitment from politicians and decision makers to ensure a positive framework for the industry.
Business Sweden and governmental expert agency, the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU), provide support for foreign operators throughout the establishment process. One of SGU’s key tasks is to meet society’s need for geological information and thereby support the development of the mining, rock, and mineral industries.
The Mining Inspectorate is the part of SGU responsible for handling matters related to the exploration and production of minerals. It is led by the Mining Inspector, who is responsible for making all exploration decisions in accordance with the legislation on minerals. The current Mining Inspector is Åsa Persson.
Swedish law is clear, and in combination with our service and commitment, we are able to offer a short permitting process.
Åsa Persson
“Government stability and transparency are two important factors in such an unpredictable and global industry as ours. Swedish law is clear, and in combination with our service and commitment, we are able to offer a short permitting process. SGU is an open agency and we always want to be as helpful as possible,” says Åsa Persson.
Photo: Kajsa Bovin / SGU
Anyone who wishes to explore in Sweden may utilize enormous amounts of existing information for planning and preparation. Since there is a requirement to submit research results after exploration, there are copious amounts of information available from previous explorations. SGU’s drill core archive is also a unique source of information for new explorations, since new discoveries often occur in previous areas of exploration or around inactive mines.
