Ore production and trends
SGU annually collects detailed data on Swedish ore production. Iiron ore production increased slightly last year, while the production of base metals declined. This decrease is explained by lower ore extraction combined with reduced metal grades.
Sweden's mineral resources and mineral reserves are located mainly in the three ore districts of Norrbotten, Skelleftefältet and Bergslagen. In addition to these areas, there are also assets in the rest of Norrland, Småland and Dalsland.
At the end of the 1910s, there were almost 500 mines in Sweden that produced almost 8 million tonnes of ore. Only 50 years ago, there were about 100 mines in Sweden that produced approximately 20 million tonnes of ore.
Geopolitics clearly set the tone for the metals market in 2025, yet Swedish ore production nevertheless remained stable. It amounted to 80 million tonnes, in line with the previous year. Iron ore production increased slightly last year, while the production of base metals declined. This decrease is explained by lower ore extraction combined with reduced metal grades.
At the same time, investment in mineral exploration in Sweden has fallen markedly. In 2025, it declined by 34 per cent compared with the previous year, measured in current prices. According to SGU, the downturn is primarily due to several major projects moving from intensive drilling phases to continued evaluation, planning and mineral resource and reserve estimation.
Some figures from the Statistics of the Swedish Mining Industry:
- Swedish exports of mineral raw materials and processed mineral products increased by approximately 4 per cent in value and 11 per cent in volume compared with 2024.
- Total ore production amounted to just under 80 million tonnes.
- Production of base metals and gold declined compared with 2024, while silver production increased.
- Sweden’s share of EU27 production was 8 per cent for copper, 42 per cent for lead and 36 per cent for zinc.
- Investment in exploration totalled SEK 1,367 million.
- At year-end, 801 exploration permits were in force.
- During the year, 115 new exploration permits were granted.
- Seven exploitation concessions were granted and no applications were rejected.
- Three new deposits were designated as being of national interest and were delineated in detail.
Last reviewed 2026-06-22