Report: Increased Demand for Metals and Minerals – Strategies and Conflicts of Objectives and Interests
Sweden needs a new mineral strategy to manage the increased extraction of metals and minerals that the transition to a fossil-free and sustainable society entails. The strategy needs to take the increased demands as a starting point and manage the conflicts of objectives and interests that these entail. Not least, communities with mining operations need to be better compensated than they currently are. This is concluded in this report, which is the third of four from IVA's project Roadmap for Metals and Minerals.
The work that has just begun within the Government Offices needs to result in a clear, ambitious, and long-term mineral strategy.
- Such a strategy is necessary for Sweden to to fully take its responsibility and contribute to securing the supply of critical metals and minerals within the EU. The strategy must also provide more efficient permitting processes and include measures to increase local community acceptance of mining," says Gert Nilson, IVA Fellow and Chair of the expert group behind the report.
Mineral Strategy for a New Reality
Despite being a leading mining nation in Europe and at the center of discussions on increased extraction of metals and minerals, Sweden still lacks a current mineral strategy. Other major mining nations, such as Australia and Canada, have already developed new strategies covering a range of policy areas.
In Sweden's strategic work, the EU directive Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) will serve as a framework. The new EU directive aims to secure the supply of critical raw materials. A challenge for Sweden is the active role we choose to play in the EU's efforts and how we prioritize a range of issues:
- Dependence on imports: Europe and Sweden are heavily dependent on imports of critical metals and minerals from a few countries. A new strategy should outline how Sweden will contribute to achieving the EU-wide goals of increasing extraction and reducing dependence on imports.
- Research and innovation: The extraction of "new" minerals required for green technology, demands new processes and methods. The strategy should support research and innovation to enhance Sweden's competitiveness.
- Circular economy: Strengthened circular flows and increased recycling are crucial for a sustainable supply of metals and minerals. The strategy should stimulate investments in increased circularity.
- Conflicts of objectives and interests: Increased extraction brings social challenges and risks of negative environmental impact. The strategy should include measures to address important but conflicting interests, reduce environmental impact, and promote acceptance of metals and minerals extraction.
The IVA's Roadmap for Metals and Minerals project aims to help Sweden and Europe secure long-term, sustainable access to the critical metals and minerals needed for a transition to a fossil-free, sustainable society. This is the third of four reports within the project.
