Despite the decline in ore production, the Swedish mining industry continues to expand.
Swedish mining industry continues to grow – despite decreased ore production in 2024
The statistics show that the Swedish ore production in 2024 totalled just over 80 million tonnes, down 5 per cent compared to 2023. This decrease was almost entirely due to a drop in iron ore output, which faced production and delivery challenges, according to the latest edition of the report Statistics of the Swedish Mining Industry from the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU). In contrast, demand for base metals remained strong, leading to a slight increase in non-iron ore production.
Despite the decline in ore production, the Swedish mining industry continues to expand. In 2024, mining operations commenced at the Fäbodtjärn gold mine in Lycksele Municipality, and Boliden strengthened its operations at Aitik by opening the new Liikavaara open-pit mine.
Investment in mining exploration in Sweden grew by just over 5 percent compared to the previous year (current prices, not adjusted for inflation). A total of 172 new exploration permits were granted in 2024—a decrease in both number and area covered compared to the previous year. With the exception of 2023, 2024 recorded the highest number of granted exploration permits since 2017.
This report provides a statistical summary of the Swedish mining industry and is a translated version of Bergverksstatistik 2024 (in Swedish). It includes data on metal and mineral extraction in Sweden, an international overview of global production, a summary of mineral deposits of national importance under the Environmental Code, statistics on mining and mineral permits applied for and granted, mining waste, environmental factors, exports and imports, and economic data related to the mining sector. Since 2022, the report has also been published in English to reach an international audience.
Some figures from the Statistics of the Swedish Mining Industry 2024:
- The ore production in Sweden during 2024 amounted to just over 80 million tons.
- The number of active metal mines in Sweden increased to thirteen.
- Reported employment in the mining industry, including subcontractors, was 8,847 people.
- The proportion of women working in the mining sector was 24 percent.
- Global exploration efforts amounted to a value of 12.4 billion dollars, a decrease of approximately 3 percent compared to 2023.
- Exploration efforts in Sweden amounted to 2,081 million kronor. Most of the increase can be attributed to mine-related exploration aimed at extending the lifespan of mines.
- At the end of the year, there were 810 valid exploration permits, an increase compared to the end of 2023 when there were 750 valid permits.
- The total number of valid exploitation concessions at the end of 2024 was 167. Two new exploitation concessions were granted during the year.
- In 2024, two areas were designated as nationally significant according to Chapter 3, Section 7, second paragraph of the Environmental Code.
Last reviewed 2025-06-18