Sweden critical minerals mining strategy

Swedish Industry and Energy Minister Ebba Busch has reaffirmed the government's new mineral strategy, which aims to position Sweden as Europe’s leading mining nation. The plan retains its focus on opening additional mines, fast‑tracking permits through a dedicated environmental agency, and revising the mineral tax so that a larger share of mining revenues stays with local municipalities and regions.

Critical metals and rare‑earth extraction have been officially designated a national‑security priority to curb reliance on China. The strategy highlights the Per Geijer deposit near LKAB’s Kiruna iron‑ore mine – about 1.2 billion tonnes of resources, including 2.2 million tonnes of rare‑earth oxides – and underscores the sector’s contribution of roughly 3.5 % of Sweden’s GDP and 8 % of exports.

To support priority projects, the government is considering a state‑backed investment vehicle and has introduced time‑bound permitting. The Norra Kärr heavy‑rare‑earth project received a 25‑year exploitation concession, while Arctic Minerals has begun permitting and environmental studies for its Hennes Bay copper‑silver project, with an application expected by end‑2027.

Throughout, the administration stresses high environmental standards, coexistence with other land uses and continued dialogue with Sami reindeer‑herding communities, even as tensions over land allocation persist.