Sweden declares critical minerals mining a national security priority to curb China reliance

Sweden’s government announced a new mining strategy, declaring the extraction of critical metals and rare‑earth minerals a matter of national security. Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Ebba Busch said the move will speed up planning and permit approvals, streamline land allocation, and attract investment, including the possible creation of a state‑owned mining investment company.

The strategy targets the Per Geijer deposit near the LKAB Kiruna iron‑ore mine, which holds about 1.2 billion tonnes of mineral resources, including roughly 2.2 million tonnes of rare‑earth oxides. Sweden already supplies around 60 % of Europe’s known iron ore and accounts for about 90 % of the continent’s iron production. The mining sector represents roughly 3.5 % of Sweden’s GDP and 8 % of its exports.

Officials framed the policy as essential for EU and NATO defence capabilities, calling Europe’s dependence on China for rare‑earths – which supplies about 70 % of global output – a “systemic risk”. The plan also acknowledges tensions with Sami reindeer‑herding communities over land use and emphasizes high environmental standards.

Sweden’s effort aligns with the EU’s 2024 initiative to reduce reliance on Chinese raw materials, of which four of the bloc’s 47 strategic projects are located in Sweden.