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Mineral resources

Minerals have been mined in Sweden for over 1 000 years. They are important for the society and are used in our daily life. Geological information and knowledge about the assets are vital in order to use the mineral resources in a sustainable way.

Geological information for mineral exploration

Sweden offers a unique combination of world-class geology and several underexplored areas. A stable political environment, a transparent regulatory framework and predictable permitting processes minimize risk for investors. The Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) provides access to extensive geological data and one of the world’s largest drill core collections, providing unparalleled opportunities for in-depth geological analysis. Together, these factors make Sweden an attractive destination for exploration.
Mineral statistics

SGU's mission is to provide society with geological information. This includes producing statistics on how much metal, minerals and aggregates are produced in Sweden.
Swedish mines

Sweden has a history of mining and metal refining stretching back more than a thousand years. Today, Sweden is one of the EU's leading ore and metal producers. Sweden is by far the largest iron ore producer in the EU and is also among the foremost producers of base and precious metals.
Metal and mineral recovery

The world’s need for metals and minerals is immense and continues to grow. Recycling and reuse is one of the most energy efficient measures to limit the mining and mineral industry’s impact on the environment.
Mines and environmental impact

Mining activities typically impact the surrounding environment. The extent to which a given environmental impact is deemed tolerable is governed by laws which aim to protect nature, ecosystems and humans. Environmental impacts vary from one mining operation to another, depending primarily on the materials being mined, and how mining waste are managed.
Critical and strategic raw materials

There is a great demand for metals and minerals in today´s society. In Europe, we consume about a quarter of the world´s raw materials but produce only three percent. This means a large dependency on imports. According to the EU, European production of raw materials needs to increase.
Industrial minerals

An industrial mineral is a rock, a mineral or other naturally occurring material of economic value.
Conflict minerals

Gold (Au), tantalum (Ta), tin (Sn) and tungsten (W), also referred to as 3TG, are metals commonly used for manufacturing in modern technologies. Minerals or ore concentrates from which these metals are extracted, including respectively native gold (found mostly as metal in nature), columbite-tantalite, cassiterite, and wolframite have been categorized as conflict minerals by the EU because some of the extraction takes place in conflict-affected areas and often under difficult working conditions.
Legislation

The following presents information on the regulatory framework surrounding mineral exploration and mining activities. You will also find links to Acts and Ordinances concerning the exploration and extraction of various mineral resources.
Geophysical mapping

A large part of Sweden is covered by soil or water that hides our bedrock. With different geophysical methods we are able to look down in the ground, from a few meters to several kilometers. SGU uses different methods to measure physical properties in both soil and bedrock to draw conclusions about geological structures and processes.
Geochemical mapping

SGUs geochemical mapping focuses on researching the natural levels of metals and other important elements in soils. The information shows, for example; areas where gold is present, where there is a lack of important elements such as phosphorus and magnesium, or a risk of too high natural levels of arsenic or cadmium.
Bedrock mapping

The information SGU provides by mapping the bedrock is an essential foundation for, among others; construction planning, geothermal energy extraction, prospecting for ores, hydrocarbons and bedrock, as well as for work in different fields of the environmental sciences.

Mineral statistics

Mineral statistics

SGU's mission is to provide society with geological information. This includes producing statistics on how much metal, minerals and aggregates are produced in Sweden.

Reports

Statistics of the Swedish Mining Industry

The report Statistics of the Swedish Mining Industry is published once a year and contains detailed information on Swedish ore production as well as statistics on national interests and mineral rights.

Mining Inspectorate of Sweden

The Mining Inspectorate of Sweden

The Mining Inspectorate of Sweden is responsible for issuing permits for exploration and mining. The Inspectorate is headed by the Chief Mining Inspector who decides on matters falling under the Minerals Act.

Subpages

Mineral resources

Geological information for mineral exploration

Mineral statistics

Swedish mines

Metal and mineral recovery

Mines and environmental impact

Critical and strategic raw materials

Industrial minerals

Conflict minerals

Legislation

Geophysical mapping

Geochemical mapping

Bedrock mapping

Mineral statistics

Mineral statistics

Reports

Statistics of the Swedish Mining Industry

Mining Inspectorate of Sweden

The Mining Inspectorate of Sweden

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