New Chief Mining Inspector appointed
Helena Kjellson has been appointed as new Chief Mining Inspector of the Mining Inspectorate of Sweden. The decision was taken at a government meeting on Thursday 21 September.
Kjellson has been serving as deputy Chief Mining Inspector since the summer of 2022 until the government could appoint a permanent replacement for the previous Chief Mining Inspector. Helena Kjellson is a lawyer by profession and has extensive experience within the Swedish state administration.
– I feel extremely honoured to be entrusted with the leadership of the important mission which is the responsibility of the Mining Inspectorate of Sweden. The issues handled by the Mining Inspectorate are hot on the agenda at present. It is therefore more important than ever that we remain firmly rooted in the principles of legality and impartiality in our decision-making role, but also in the principle of efficiency, says Helena Kjellson.
Anneli Wirtén, Director General of the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU), within which the Mining Inspectorate is an independent organisational unit, welcomes the government’s decision.
– The appointment of Helena Kjellson as permanent Chief Mining Inspector is a positive decision by the government. During this past year she has been very capable and successful in handling the highly topical and for society extremely crucial issues which the Mining Inspectorate are tasked with, says Anneli Wirtén.
The Mining Inspectorate of Sweden is located in Luleå in northern Sweden. It is the government authority which grants permits and concessions for the investigation and mining of minerals in accordance with the Swedish Minerals Act. The Mining Inspectorate is also responsible for supervision and inspections to ensure compliance with the Act, and for providing information about mineral legislation and about ongoing prospecting and mining works to companies, stakeholders, other government authorities, media and the general public.
Chief Mining Inspector is a title which in Sweden dates back to the Middle Ages. Regardless of organisational location, the Chief Mining Inspector takes independent decisions in matters pertaining to the Minerals Act. Helena Kjellson is the second woman to hold this post.
– It is a rewarding and very interesting commission which I am delighted to continue, now with improved opportunities for planning in the long term, says Helena Kjellson.
Last reviewed 2023-09-26