
A large majority of Swedes believe that domestic mining is important for the economy, jobs, and securing essential metals.
Photo: Sara Andersson/SGU
Two out of three Swedes want to strengthen the mining industry
The majority of Swedish residents aged 18–79 want the Swedish mining industry to be given the right conditions to develop, so that the supply of important metals is secured. Three out of four, 74 percent, believe that the mining industry is important for the Swedish economy. This is shown by a survey from the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) and Novus.
In collaboration with the opinion polling company Novus, SGU has conducted a survey to find out more about the Swedish population's attitude towards the Swedish mining and mineral industry.
When asked whether the Swedish mining industry should be given the conditions to develop to secure the supply of important metals, two-thirds, 64 percent, said they believe so. This shows a tendency to increase compared to the 2022 survey, when the corresponding proportion was 62 percent.
Back in 2019, SGU, together with the polling organization SOM Institute, conducted a similar survey, where 52 percent indicated they fully or partially agreed with the same question. Although the surveys were conducted in somewhat different ways, the results suggest a trend of increasingly positive attitudes toward the mining industry over the past five years.
“It is pleasing that a clear majority of the population understands how important the mining industry is. It is essential for us to meet the major challenges regarding climate and energy transition, but also for securing the value chains for metals and minerals and making ourselves less vulnerable in the serious geopolitical situation we find ourselves in", says Kaj Lax, acting Head of Department for Mineral Resources at SGU.
A full 74 percent, or three out of four Swedes, believe that the mining industry is important for the Swedish economy, and almost seven out of ten, 67 percent, say that it is important for creating more jobs. The most notable change since the 2022 survey is an increase in the proportion of people who are opposed to having an active mine in their area, rising from 34 to 41 percent. The proportion of those who would consider having an active mine in their area is, however, still higher, at 46 percent.
The survey also asked whether it should be easier or more difficult to start mines in Sweden. One in four respondents, 26 percent, say it should be easier, and the same number say it should be more difficult. Half of those surveyed stated that they had no opinion.
“Here SGU has important work to do in reaching out to the public with information about the permit process for investigating areas in search of new mineral deposits and, in the long term, obtaining permits to open a mine”, says Kaj Lax.
SGU is tasked by the government to create good conditions for the sustainable use of the country's mineral resources. The agency should also promote sustainable growth and entrepreneurship in the mining sector.
The survey was conducted in December 2024 and includes 2,108 interviews.
Last reviewed 2025-01-28