Minerals

Sweden has a history of mining and metal refining stretching back more than a thousand years. Its metal ore and other mineral resources, and knowledge about how to use them, have been major factors in building the prosperity the country enjoys today.

Sweden is currently one of the EU’s leading producers of ores and metals. It is, for example, by far the biggest producer of iron ore in the EU, and among the leading ones when it comes to the base metals copper, zinc and lead and the precious metals gold and silver.

SGU has several roles in this context. Above all, we are able to offer mineral explorers a wide range of basic geological data.

In addition, SGU is the Swedish Government’s expert authority on matters relating to geology and minerals management, both nationally and at the EU level. We monitor developments in the minerals market – nationally and internationally – and publish, among other things, statistics on mineral production in Sweden and changes in the global market. We also produce information on the extraction of peat, aggregates etc.

The Mining Inspectorate of Sweden, which is part of SGU, is an official body responsible for issuing permits for exploration and mining. It decides on matters falling under the Minerals Act (1991:45).

To Mining Inspectorate of Sweden web site

If you are involved in mineral exploration

A very important part of SGU’s work is to survey and document the geology of Sweden – not least with a view to facilitating mineral exploration. Our information on bedrock geology, bedrock quality, Quaternary (superficial) deposits, geochemistry and geophysics provides a basis for exploration for metal ores, industrial minerals and dimension stone.

Geological information for mineral exploration

SGU’s regional office in Malå, the Mineral Resources Information Office, provides information of relevance to exploration, for Swedish and foreign mineral explorers alike. It holds drill core samples, reports etc. from both state and private exploration activities.

Mineral Resources Information Office

Read more on SGU’s web site

Information on aggregates and dimension stone can be found under Planning & building.