Stakeholder Information
Will There Be a Mine Now?
Not necessarily – and never without a long, open process. Exploration is a scientific investigation of the bedrock, not mining. Finding out what lies beneath the ground does not mean a mine will follow: only about one in a thousand exploration projects ever becomes one.
- typically pass from exploration to a possible mine
- 10–15 years
- exploration projects ever become a mine
- ≈ 1 in 1,000
- 1
Exploration
We are hereExploration permit · Minerals Act
We study the bedrock through mapping, sampling and drilling to find out whether a deposit exists. Every step follows a work plan you receive in advance.
Several yearsOpportunity to commentContinues only if a deposit that could be economically viable is found.
- 2
Studies and assessments
Environmental impact assessment
Detailed studies of the deposit, the environment, water and the local community, including an environmental impact assessment prepared in consultation with the public.
Several yearsOpportunity to comment - 3
Permitting
Mining Inspectorate · Land and Environment Court · Municipality
A mining concession under the Minerals Act, an environmental permit under the Environmental Code and municipal planning decisions. Each is examined separately by Swedish authorities and courts.
Often several yearsOpportunity to commentConstruction can only start once every permit has been granted and is in force.
- 4
Construction
Under the permit conditions
Facilities are built under the conditions set in the permits, with continuous supervision.
A few years - 5
Operation
Regular inspection
Mining under strict, regularly inspected conditions. It is still considered a temporary use of the land.
Often 30 years or more - 6
Closure and restoration
Required by the permits
The site is closed and the land restored so it can be used by future generations. Plans and financial guarantees for this are set before mining starts.
After operation ends
What this means for you
- No mine without permits: A mine needs both a mining concession under the Minerals Act (Minerallagen) and an environmental permit under the Environmental Code (Miljöbalken). Swedish authorities and courts examine the impact on nature, water and the local community independently of us, and can say no.
- You will be informed and heard: At each stage that could affect you there are statutory opportunities to submit comments before decisions are made. You can also contact us with questions at any time.
- Nothing happens quickly: Moving from exploration to a mine typically takes 10–15 years, which leaves time for studies, dialogue and independent review at every step.
- Today’s work is small and temporary: Exploration leaves a limited footprint. Usually less than 5% of a permit area is affected by in-depth work, and every site is restored afterwards.
- The land is returned: Even a mine that operates for decades is legally a temporary use of the land. Closure and restoration are required, so the landscape can be used by future generations.
Throughout, we are guided by safety, sustainability, responsibility and inclusion. Read more about the laws that govern exploration.