Swedish Minister Ebba Busch vows to make Sweden a leading mining nation

Energy and Industry Minister Ebba Busch announced that Sweden will pursue a policy to become a leading mining nation in Europe. The new mineral strategy calls for opening additional mines to secure the continent’s supply of critical minerals and proposes a faster permitting process through a new environmental agency.

The plan also includes a review of the state mineral tax, aiming to redirect a larger share of revenues from mining companies to the municipalities and regions where mines operate, rather than the central state. A possible state-owned enterprise could support private mining projects, and large ore districts such as those around Kiruna and Skellefteå may be designated as national interests. Busch emphasized the importance of coexistence with other land uses, including reindeer herding, and stated that dialogue with the Sami population is constructive.