Sweden, home of TLGs graphite mine(s)

No more progress before Christmas on this I guess.

There is al lot to do:

Page updated on December 17, 2024

"Norrbotniabanan​

The North Bothnia Line is a 270 km new coastal railway between Umeå and Luleå that will make it faster, safer and more environmentally friendly to travel and transport goods throughout the country.

Distances shrink with the North Bothnia Line​

With travel times halved, the distance between the cities along the Norrland coast shrinks and it becomes easier to travel between towns in the region. Residents can reach a larger labour market and a wider range of education, culture, shopping and events. This, in turn, benefits the development of the business community and contributes to an attractive, growing and sustainable region.

Decision on the North Bothnia Line's route into Luleå​

The Swedish Transport Administration announced at a press conference on December 16, 2024 that it will proceed with the western route of the North Bothnia Line into Luleå. The western corridor follows the E4 road and enters Luleå via Notviken and the existing railway.
The North Bothnia Line is necessary for both passenger and freight traffic and a basic prerequisite for the success of the green transition. For Luleå municipality, it is of the utmost importance that the North Bothnia Line is built.
Luleå Municipality, together with the business community, the region, municipalities and other regional actors, has advocated the eastern route, which it believes best meets the needs and opportunities of the future. It connects the railway with the airport and avoids a so-called sack solution, where trains need to turn around at the station.
Despite the decision, there is still a lot left to investigate about the western corridor. The Swedish Transport Administration will now begin work on developing railway plans, which is expected to take four to five years. Railway plans are detailed descriptions of what the route of the railway should look like and how it should be built within the chosen corridor. The work will be done in collaboration with several stakeholders, including Luleå municipality.
Luleå Municipality will be a constructive part in the continued work to ensure community development and, together with other local and regional actors, drive the region's development forward, not least the ongoing industrial transition.
Read more about the Swedish Transport Administration's decision: Decision made on the North Bothnia Line's entrance in Luleå - www.trafikverket.se External link. Link to external website
Here you will also find information about the Swedish Transport Administration's continued work and Questions and answers.

Two alternative entrances have been investigated​

For the North Bothnia Line's route to Luleå, two alternative entrances have been investigated, one eastern and one western. Luleå municipality has recommended an eastern entrance to Luleå as it has been assessed to provide the greatest socio-economic benefit for regional development. An eastern entrance would have meant that Luleå would have a transit solution with a connection to both the airport and Luleå C. It strengthens Luleå as a city and connects Luleå with the rest of the region.



In the decision made in the Swedish Transport Administration's railway investigation 160 Södra Gäddvik–Luleå, in 2011, it appears that both the eastern and western routes remain as alternative solutions for the North Bothnia Line's entrance to Luleå. At that time, the Swedish Transport Administration decided, in the first instance, that the western alternative that follows the E4 road should form the basis for the continued planning of the North Bothnia Line. The background to this was that the eastern alternative with a fixed bridge over Hamnholmen blocks access to the turning areas of shipping in Gråsjälfjärden, which are especially important during difficult ice winters.
The eastern alternative has a higher goal fulfillment, if you disregard the challenges surrounding shipping, as the east also provides greater regional development. For this reason, it is important to look at the eastern alternative, which can be actualized if solutions are found that work for both rail and shipping.
The Swedish Transport Administration has investigated the possibilities for an opening bridge in the eastern alternative and has been in dialogue with representatives of Luleå municipality, shipping and a reference group that includes representatives from municipalities, the County Administrative Board and Region Norrbotten.

Possible station location: Luleå Airport​

In the eastern alternative, a possible station location would have been Luleå Airport, which with about 1 million passengers per year is important for the entire region's accessibility by air. A station location at Luleå Airport would help facilitate commuting and skills supply. A smart logistics hub "shrinks" travel times in the region, which benefits sparsely populated areas and enables a greater regional exchange for all people living in Norrbotten and Västerbotten.

Possible station location: Antnäs​

A station location east of the E4 adjacent to road 94 provides high accessibility for Sörbyarna and Älvsbyn. Urban development can take the form of densification of existing buildings in Antnäs. In the vicinity of the station location, industrial activities and trade can be developed.

Green industry - green infrastructure​

Luleå Industrial Park, which consists of Svartön and Hertsöfältet, is a strategically important place where several major industrial players gather to drive the green industrial transition. The North Bothnia Line is important for the industry's transition.
Read more about Luleå Industrial Park

A new travel centre in Luleå with the North Bothnia Line​

The North and South development areas and Itästranden are three major development areas for housing and workplaces. Östra Stranden is being developed into a new part of the city centre with Luleå Travel Centre, which brings together all modes of transport, housing, workplaces, trade and other services.
Read more about Luleå's future travel center "



There will also be a direct flight from Kiruna to Copenhagen.
By contrast, confidence in the economy in Norrbotten is fading.
But:

"New innovation center in Norrbotten​

Luleå Region Norrbotten and LTU business launch a new collaboration platform for renewal and collaboration between actors in the county.

December 11, 2024

Norrbotten Regional Innovation Center will act as a catalyst for knowledge exchange, development and collaboration between strategic industry clusters in the region, it is intended. The aim is to strengthen Norrbotten's position both nationally and internationally.

- Norrbotten Regional Innovation Center will be an important platform for increasing learning between actors within the region, but also for strengthening our presence in Europe. Through joint activities and projects, we strengthen the region's competitiveness, says Linn Berglund Pantzare, project manager at LTU Business.
..."

There will be a memorandum in Sweden 1Q/25 on the re-authorisation of uranium mining. Talga is also on the list of those to be consulted, along with 70 others.
The issue is by no means just about uranium. I have now read several times that rare earths are often found together with uranium and that mining them makes things even more scarce because of the ban on uranium.
PDF:

I wish you a happy, healthy and successful new year 2025!
I'm back from my holiday.

government:

"We are fundamentally changing energy research​

Published 20 December 2024

Debate contribution by Energy and Enterprise Minister Ebba Busch, Finance Minister Niklas Wykman, Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari and the Chairman of the Committee on Trade and Industry, Tobias Andersson, in Dagens Industri, 19 November 2024.

...

Nuclear energy research has long been neglected in Sweden, excluded from funding and excluded in previous energy research laws. The government therefore expects that significant allocations for nuclear energy research and innovation will be needed in the period 2025-2028 to strengthen national expertise.

The increased funding will also be used to strengthen the Swedish Energy Agency's ongoing investments in the battery sector. Batteries are a key technology for electrification, both in electric vehicles to phase out fossil fuels in the transport sector and as energy storage in the electricity system to contribute flexibility and robustness. The battery value chain must be established and strengthened in Sweden and Europe to be competitive in the long term and to reduce vulnerability. Research and innovation initiatives in this area are therefore of strategic importance for Sweden.
..."

"The government is facilitating increased mineral extraction and making it harder for criminals to obtain public contracts​

Published 20 December 2024

In advance of the 2025 fiscal year, a number of government agencies will receive contracts through the grant letters that are aimed at strengthening Swedish competitiveness and increasing growth. Through the assignments, the government is supporting the new industrialisation in northern Sweden, making it easier for the mining industry and more difficult for criminals to obtain public contracts. As part of the government's aggressive simplification agenda, around 30 agencies will receive assignments or reporting requirements, as in the previous year, in order to make life easier and simpler for Sweden's companies.

The government has initiated and implemented a number of initiatives to accelerate the green industrial transition. By taking a holistic approach to energy and climate policy, and thus laying the foundation for a substantial expansion of the electricity system, we are strengthening Sweden's competitiveness. This is how we create the conditions for future investments, the realisation of green innovations and the creation of growth.

Strengthening the opportunities for Europe's raw material supply​

The EU currently consumes 30% of all metals and minerals produced worldwide, but only 3% of mining takes place within European borders. In order for mining to become possible on a larger scale in Sweden, faster and more predictable approval procedures that are also accepted by society are needed. In the 2025 budget allocation letter, SGU is given a mandate regarding the EU regulation on critical raw materials. This means, among other things, that the authority must provide information on the location of minerals by publishing maps of mineral deposits.

The government continues to simplify for companies​

The government has presented a proactive simplification agenda and in 2024 established both a Simplification Council and an Implementation Council to make it easier for businesses and strengthen Sweden's competitiveness.

The government is continuing its proactive simplification agenda by providing assignments or reporting requirements for simplification for companies in a number of letters of grant from government agencies. Last year, the government issued assignments or reporting requirements for simplification for companies in the letters of grant for 2024 to some 30 agencies. The assignment also applies to a number of these agencies in 2025. The government is now assigning simplification assignments to more authorities and several agencies will receive a new reporting requirement in the budget letter for 2025. The purpose of the appropriation letters is to reduce administrative burdens and administrative costs for companies.

The Swedish Companies Registration Office has been tasked with providing information on legal entities for the digital identity wallet, which the Swedish Agency for Digital Administration (DIGG) has been tasked with developing. The digital identity wallet will make communication between legal and natural persons more secure and easier. The digital identity wallet will streamline a wide range of processes while making them more secure.

The government is making it increasingly difficult for criminals​

To prevent criminal and unsuitable actors from obtaining public contracts, an effective system of supplier control is needed. Currently, there is no effective solution for how the data should be collected. The control is cumbersome, resource-intensive and in some cases impossible. The supplier control investigation (SOU 2023:43), among other things, proposes the introduction of a function for coordinated registry control at the Swedish Companies Registration Office. The Swedish Companies Registration Office is now tasked with developing an IT system for coordinated registry control in accordance with the SOU proposal, which is to be in operation in 2028.

Better conditions for the transition and the net-zero industry​

The industry's green transition will both boost Sweden's competitiveness and help it make great strides towards lower net emissions. The government is strengthening the conditions for the so-called net-zero industry by mandating SGU to implement parts of the net-zero industry regulation regarding carbon storage and carbon capture, known as CCS. The SGU is also the competent authority for recognising net-zero carbon storage projects, carbon capture projects and carbon transport infrastructure projects as strategic.

The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth has also been tasked with facilitating access to online information, such as funding opportunities, to facilitate the net-zero industry and the availability of critical raw materials needed for the transition."

cosors said:

Next round with a new approach.

"The municipality makes a retake after five failed attempts
After five unsuccessful attempts to procure a contractor for the Hertsö field, Luleå municipality is making a new move and slimming down the procurement.
"We took back the allocation that had been made," says Helene Wiklund Wårell.

View attachment 72180
The work to construct streets and other infrastructure on the Hertsö field has been delayed for two bare ground seasons, as the award has been appealed five times. Now the municipality is changing the playing field and is going out with a smaller procurement.

Luleå 2024-10-30 05:00
Luleå Municipality's attempt to procure a contractor for street works and other infrastructure on the Hertsö field has been slowed down by appeals – five since the first award was made in June 2023. Nyab Infrastructure and BDX, as well as later BDX's subsidiary CWN, have competed for the assignment, which is estimated to be worth approximately SEK 150 million.

The latest attempt to procure ended with the Administrative Court in Luleå deciding that the municipality must redo the evaluation of the tenders.

Now the municipality is doing a redesign and redrawing the playing field. It will only be a small area to be procured.

"We took back the allocation that had been made. And then we will advertise just Hästskovägen. It has to do with timetables, because the most critical timetables are about those who happen to be on Hästskovägen, says Helén Wiklund Wårell, Director of Infrastructure and Service at Luleå Municipality.
View attachment 72181
"When we announce a new procurement, it means that there are more actors," says Helen Wiklund Wårell, Director of Infrastructure and Service Luleå Municipality.

A new company will also establish itself in the area at Hästskovägen, on the plot that Lindab has handed back to the municipality. A decision on land allocation, that the company will have the right to buy the land from the municipality, is being prepared and will be taken up by the community planning committee on 18 November. The company in question is not yet public.

What do you do with the rest of the Hertsö field?

"Yes, we are in the process of developing a new detailed plan for the rest of the area. So it will control a little bit whether there will be a procurement for that whole. It is not clear now what will happen to it," says Helén Wiklund Wårell.

The detailed plan that the municipality develops and decides on specifies what can be built in an area.

What made you choose not to redo the entire procurement once again?

"We feel that now it has gone back and forth five times, so the risk that it would be appealed again felt quite high. We judged that now we do this instead.

"It also means that when we go out with a new procurement, it means that there are more players, then we open up to all conceivable actors. Not just the two who have been involved," says Helén Wiklund Wårell.

The municipality is preparing the procurement of Hästskovägen.

"Now work is in full swing to produce the tender documents and get them out and advertise them and award them in December.
So that it can then be done in the spring, we want it done by May-June.

Tours on the Hertsö field
1. The municipality received four tenders and decides on 12 June 2023 to award the assignment to BDX Företagen AB. Nyab Infrastruktur appeals because their tender had been disqualified. The Administrative Court decides that the evaluation of the tenders must be repeated.
2. The municipality will redo the evaluation, Nyab Infrastructure will carry out the tender presentation that the other qualified bidders have already made. The decision is being appealed by BDX Företagen. The Administrative Court decides that the procurement must be repeated.
3. Civil Works Nordic, a subsidiary of BDX, will be awarded the assignment on February 12, 2024. Nyab Infrastruktur is appealing the award decision. The municipality decides to withdraw the decision and redo the evaluation of the tenders.
4. Civil Works Nordic is once again awarded the assignment. Nyab Infrastruktur is appealing the decision. The municipality decides to withdraw the allocation.
5. Civil Works Nordic will be awarded the assignment on May 6, 2024, for the third time. Nyab Infrastruktur is appealing the award decision. On 20 September 2024, the Administrative Court decides that the procurement must be corrected through a new valuation of the tenders. The municipality decides to withdraw the allocation to CWN."

Kommunens nya drag på Hertsöfältet – efter fem misslyckanden

Efter fem misslyckade försök att upphandla entreprenör för Hertsöfältet gör Luleå kommun ett omtag och bantar ned upphandlingen. – Vi tog tillbaka den...

www.kuriren.nu

"Procurement of contractor for Hertsöfältet changed​

Luleå After five unsuccessful attempts to procure a contractor for Hertsöfältet, Luleå municipality is now changing the approach and slimming down the procurement, writes NTM Media."

Upphandlingen av entreprenör för Hertsöfältet ändras -

Upphandlingen av entreprenör för Hertsöfältet har varit en följetong sedan i juni 2023. Varje upphandling av uppdraget värt 150 miljoner kronor har överklag...

affarerinorr.se

So it seems that this approach ultimately avoids the problems. It's about time.

Other topic, there is still no sign of the any news from yesterday/today in the Swedish press or among the antis.

_____
Follow the links to the answers to this topic. It runs like a lindwurm through this thread.

Click to expand...

_____
Follow the links to the answers to this topic. It runs like a lindwurm through this thread.

This amateurish tendering process has finally come to an end
NYAB has also been commissioned by Talga. They are expanding very strongly up there and are now also expanding across national borders (e.g.).

"NYAB signs agreement with Luleå municipality for the expansion of Luleå Industrial Park​

07.01.2025


NYAB Infrastructure signs an agreement with the municipality of Luleå for infrastructure work in the expansion of Luleå Industrial Park with the new industrial area Hertsöfältet. The agreement, which has been signed on current account and at prices, is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025 with completion in September 2026.

The contract includes the construction of a road/street, water and sewage pipes with a pumping station and ditches for stormwater management. The project will be carried out in collaboration with the municipality of Luleå, where the parties jointly solve tasks they are faced with on an ongoing basis in an open collaboration.

‘We are very pleased with the confidence from Luleå municipality and we look forward to further deepening our already good cooperation. The project suits us perfectly as we are already active there and know the area well. We are proud to continue to contribute to the development of Luleå Industrial Park and the entire municipality of Luleå’, says Mattias Broström, Business Area Manager Infrastructure at NYAB Sweden.

Luleå Industrial Park is an established business cluster for green industrial transition with world-leading technology development. Luleå municipality owns and develops Luleå Industrial Park in close collaboration with the business community and universities. Luleå Industrial Park includes the industrial area Svartön and the new industrial area Hertsöfältet. Work on Hertsöfältet started in 2021, and the area is expected to be fully developed by 2030. NYAB is already active with several projects in the area.

About NYAB

NYAB enables the development of society for future generations, with extensive experience from complex and challenging projects. NYAB offers engineering, construction and maintenance services in sustainable infrastructure, industrial construction and renewable energy, thereby contributing to the green transition. NYAB operates in Sweden and Finland, in both the private and public sectors."

cosors said:

_____
Follow the links to the answers to this topic. It runs like a lindwurm through this thread.

This amateurish tendering process has finally come to an end
NYAB has also been commissioned by Talga. They are expanding very strongly up there and are now also expanding across national borders.

"NYAB signs agreement with Luleå municipality for the expansion of Luleå Industrial Park​

07.01.2025


NYAB Infrastructure signs an agreement with the municipality of Luleå for infrastructure work in the expansion of Luleå Industrial Park with the new industrial area Hertsöfältet. The agreement, which has been signed on current account and at prices, is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025 with completion in September 2026.

The contract includes the construction of a road/street, water and sewage pipes with a pumping station and ditches for stormwater management. The project will be carried out in collaboration with the municipality of Luleå, where the parties jointly solve tasks they are faced with on an ongoing basis in an open collaboration.

‘We are very pleased with the confidence from Luleå municipality and we look forward to further deepening our already good cooperation. The project suits us perfectly as we are already active there and know the area well. We are proud to continue to contribute to the development of Luleå Industrial Park and the entire municipality of Luleå’, says Mattias Broström, Business Area Manager Infrastructure at NYAB Sweden.

Luleå Industrial Park is an established business cluster for green industrial transition with world-leading technology development. Luleå municipality owns and develops Luleå Industrial Park in close collaboration with the business community and universities. Luleå Industrial Park includes the industrial area Svartön and the new industrial area Hertsöfältet. Work on Hertsöfältet started in 2021, and the area is expected to be fully developed by 2030. NYAB is already active with several projects in the area.

About NYAB

NYAB enables the development of society for future generations, with extensive experience from complex and challenging projects. NYAB offers engineering, construction and maintenance services in sustainable infrastructure, industrial construction and renewable energy, thereby contributing to the green transition. NYAB operates in Sweden and Finland, in both the private and public sectors."

NYAB tecknar avtal med Luleå kommun för utbyggnad av Luleå Industripark - NYAB

NYAB Infrastruktur tecknar avtal med Luleå kommun för infrastrukturarbeten vid utbyggnaden av Luleå industripark med...

nyabgroup.com

Click to expand...

As a reminder:
Oct 23, 2023
I don't know if that concerns us. Article unfortunately behind a PW. So for the archive.

Luleå 22 okt. 2023 19:00
"Construction companies fight for jobs in Luleå Industrial Park"

JoMo68 said:

What a shit show!

Click to expand...

That has now come to an end.

Finally! Zoning plan next!

Semmel said:

Finally! Zoning plan next!

Click to expand...

"14 mars 2024 kl 17:02
According to Talga, Kiruna municipality's slowness threatens the project where graphite will be mined in Nunasvaara outside Vittangi and then refined into material for battery anodes in a factory in Luleå on the Gulf of Bothnia coast.

The mining company has therefore submitted a request for a planning order to the Ministry of Rural Affairs and Infrastructure. The request is for the government to order the municipality of Kiruna to adopt a new local plan that has been in the pipeline for several years. A new local plan is required to authorise a mining industry in the area.
..."

I can't find anything on the government and ministry websites.

cosors said:

_____
Follow the links to the answers to this topic. It runs like a lindwurm through this thread.

This amateurish tendering process has finally come to an end
NYAB has also been commissioned by Talga. They are expanding very strongly up there and are now also expanding across national borders (e.g.).

"NYAB signs agreement with Luleå municipality for the expansion of Luleå Industrial Park​

07.01.2025


NYAB Infrastructure signs an agreement with the municipality of Luleå for infrastructure work in the expansion of Luleå Industrial Park with the new industrial area Hertsöfältet. The agreement, which has been signed on current account and at prices, is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025 with completion in September 2026.

The contract includes the construction of a road/street, water and sewage pipes with a pumping station and ditches for stormwater management. The project will be carried out in collaboration with the municipality of Luleå, where the parties jointly solve tasks they are faced with on an ongoing basis in an open collaboration.

‘We are very pleased with the confidence from Luleå municipality and we look forward to further deepening our already good cooperation. The project suits us perfectly as we are already active there and know the area well. We are proud to continue to contribute to the development of Luleå Industrial Park and the entire municipality of Luleå’, says Mattias Broström, Business Area Manager Infrastructure at NYAB Sweden.

Luleå Industrial Park is an established business cluster for green industrial transition with world-leading technology development. Luleå municipality owns and develops Luleå Industrial Park in close collaboration with the business community and universities. Luleå Industrial Park includes the industrial area Svartön and the new industrial area Hertsöfältet. Work on Hertsöfältet started in 2021, and the area is expected to be fully developed by 2030. NYAB is already active with several projects in the area.

About NYAB

NYAB enables the development of society for future generations, with extensive experience from complex and challenging projects. NYAB offers engineering, construction and maintenance services in sustainable infrastructure, industrial construction and renewable energy, thereby contributing to the green transition. NYAB operates in Sweden and Finland, in both the private and public sectors."

NYAB tecknar avtal med Luleå kommun för utbyggnad av Luleå Industripark - NYAB

NYAB Infrastruktur tecknar avtal med Luleå kommun för infrastrukturarbeten vid utbyggnaden av Luleå industripark med...

nyabgroup.com

Click to expand...

"Talga gets permit for Europe's first battery anode factory​

On Wednesday, the Land and Environment Court announced that Talga has been granted an environmental permit for a battery anode factory to be built at Luleå Industrial Park.
21 juni 2023
The judgment includes an enforcement order, which means that Talga can start construction immediately and does not have to wait until the judgment has become final.

- This is a crucial milestone for Europe's first battery anode factory and thus Sweden's sustainable development. I cannot emphasize enough how important this is for the transition to a green and competitive industry in Sweden, says Per-Erik Lindvall, Chairman of the Board of Talga.

Earlier this year, Luleå municipality granted a building permit for the factory."

If this shit show by the municipal government of Lulea is responsible for Talga not building up to now, then the municipality should face legal consequences I think.

"Soon time for the Hindersmässa​

News 12 December 2024 Text: Photo: Fredrik Kellén

The Hindersmässan 2025 will take place on 31 January - 1 February, as always in Örebro. The theme on Friday is engineering, innovation and intrapreneurship and among the speakers are Jenny Greberg, LKAB, Marta-Lena Antti, Professor of Materials Engineering at Luleå University of Technology and Maria Swartling, Programme Manager for Swedish Metals & Minerals. Friday also offers ‘speed-dating’ between students and companies in the industry, mingle and traditional pub night, Sankt Hindriks Pub. The host company for Hindersmässan 2025 is Linde.

Saturday begins as usual with the annual meeting of the Friends of Bergshandtering and lectures on the theme ‘The new global playing field’. In the morning, guests include former Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, Eva Nordmark, Chairman of Talga, Göran Björkman, CEO of Alleima, and Mattias Frumerie, Climate Ambassador and Chief Negotiator for Sweden. In the evening, a gala dinner with spex and entertainment awaits. The after-party starts at 11 pm and will feature Brukets Hjältar sponsored by Bandstål and the Swedish School of Music's big band."

cosors said:

There will be a memorandum in Sweden 1Q/25 on the re-authorisation of uranium mining. Talga is also on the list of those to be consulted, along with 70 others.
The issue is by no means just about uranium. I have now read several times that rare earths are often found together with uranium and that mining them makes things even more scarce because of the ban on uranium.
PDF:

https://www.regeringen.se/contentassets/e931e211ffd943dd82655556a8e21930/remissinstanser-for-promemorian-att-ater-mojliggora-utvinning-av-uran.pdf

Click to expand...

Talga was also consulted in this topic.
This reminds me of the Cementa case, where the Greens* also took legal action against an industry, which did Sweden far more harm than good. If someone has the right thing in mind and sets the wrong thing in motion, I think. Cementa argued that they want to play a leading role in the decarbonisation of cement production. If lime mining is banned with this trick (the Greens had simply declared the area to a Natura2000 site retrospectively)**, Sweden is not only making itself totally dependent, but is also shifting its responsibility to others who are not taking it so seriously. Somehow, everything is analogue.
It's a shame that such counterproductive things are repeatedly implemented. It doesn't help anyone, and certainly not this orientation if it is not re-elected.

"Uranium ban lifted: welcome and logical step towards self-sufficiency​

It is proposed that it will once again be possible to mine uranium in Sweden. This was made clear when the government presented a proposal for amended legislation on Friday.
- ‘It is a reasonable conclusion, uranium is both a common and sought-after element. It has been a waste of resources to be forced to handle uranium as waste instead of utilising it,’ says Maria Sunér, CEO of Svemin.

The ban on uranium mining was introduced in 2018 and has led to promising mining projects being cancelled or delayed because uranium is present together with other metals. Uranium inevitably accompanies the extraction of other minerals but currently needs to be treated as a waste.
- The ban has therefore slowed down the potential extraction of highly relevant metals that are crucial for the climate transition, such as vanadium, nickel and rare earth elements,’ says Maria Sunér.
‘The opportunities to extract these metals are now increasing.
- ‘We also believe that the removal of the ban will make exploration in Sweden more attractive. The fact that uranium can now be utilised as a product instead of waste strengthens the economic conditions for future mining projects,’ says Maria Sunér.
The issue must also be seen in a geopolitical light. Sweden and the rest of the EU are heavily dependent on imports of many metals, including uranium. The European Commission has been clear that domestic production of critical raw materials needs to be strengthened.
It would also be illogical to maintain the ban on uranium mining at a time when nuclear power is a major source of energy in Sweden. For the foreseeable future, we will be dependent on uranium being mined somewhere. Moreover, Swedish bedrock contains more than a quarter of the EU's known uranium resources.
The proposal reinstates uranium as a concession mineral under the Minerals Act, and removes the prohibition on mining uranium in Chapter 9 of the Environmental Code. It is also proposed that a licence from the Government will no longer be required for uranium mining (Chapter 17 of the Environmental Code).
- The proposal means that uranium will now be handled in the same way as other licence minerals, which is logical. A thorough environmental assessment with strict requirements will of course be carried out,’ says Maria Sunér.

FACTS - the proposal

Since 2018, it is prohibited to explore or mine uranium, i.e. the substance uranium ceased to be a so-called concession mineral. In February 2024, the government set up a literal inquiry to look into how the ban could be removed. The Minister for Climate and Environment decides on an inquiry to abolish the ban on uranium mining - Regeringen.se
In the proposal that is now being submitted for consultation, uranium is reintroduced as a so-called concession mineral in the Minerals Act and the explicit ban on exploration and mining of uranium in Chapter 6 of the Environmental Code is removed. The requirement for government approval for uranium mining is also removed from Chapter 17 of the Environmental Code.
For nuclear activities, the requirement for permission from the government remains, which also requires the approval of the municipality concerned (so-called municipal veto).
The referral must be answered by 20 March 2025

FACTS - how uranium occurs in the Swedish bedrock
Uranium is a metallic element, the heaviest found in nature. The average content in the Earth's crust is just over 2 grams of uranium per tonne (0.0002%). This means that uranium is about 500 times more common than gold and as common as tin. The average uranium content of the richest mines in the world is around 2%. The highest levels of uranium, close to 20%, are found in a few deposits in Canada. Large quantities of uranium are found in Swedish soil, but the levels are low. In the 1960s, a Swedish uranium mine was opened in Ranstad. The operation was closed because it was unprofitable.
On sgu.se there is a FAQ about uranium, read more there."
https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/svemin/pressreleases/uranfoerbudet-slopas-vaelkommet-och-logiskt-steg-foer-oekad-sjaelvfoersoerjning-3361814



For better understanding:

"Uranium mining has been banned in Sweden since 2018, but the opposition parties are in favour of reintroducing it.

Disagreement between parties over uranium mining in Sweden​

Published Monday, 29 August 2022 at 12:15

• The right-wing opposition parties all say they want to abolish the current ban on uranium mining in Sweden, according to a poll of parliamentary factions by Swedish Radio News.
• The red-green parties, but also the centre party, want the ban to remain in place.
• Uranium is used as fuel in nuclear power plants, and since 2018 it has been illegal to mine uranium in Sweden because its radioactive properties pose a risk to the environment."

"Uranium mining could be banned - long-awaited bill in Kumla​

Published 2 March 2018
Several times, foreign mining companies have applied to test drill in Kvarntorpshögen in search of uranium. Now a new bill could put a stop to that.
Sweden's largest uranium deposits are found in Kvarntorpshögen, in the form of uranium-rich alum shale, and several times foreign-based mining companies have applied to test drill in Kumla in search of uranium.

Government wants to make it ‘crystal clear’​

The municipality has repeatedly turned to the government to prevent uranium mining, and now a new government bill could put an end to such plans once and for all.
- ‘With the proposed legislation, the government wants to make it crystal clear that uranium mining will no longer be allowed in Sweden,’ says Environment Minister Karolina Skog*.
*MP Green Party

No licences​

Amendments to the Environmental Code and the Minerals Act will mean that it will no longer be possible to obtain a licence to start a uranium mine or extract uranium from mining waste.
This also means that it will not be possible to obtain a licence to mine, test mine, process or physically or chemically enrich uranium in order to use the radioactivity of the material.

Could be ready in August​

Uranium is used as fuel in nuclear power plants and is commonly found in Swedish bedrock. Today, it is possible to extract uranium in Sweden and in recent years there has been extensive exploration for uranium.
However, experts believe that there are environmental risks associated with mining uranium. Among other things, there is a risk of the spread of harmful metals, which can affect the reproduction of fish or lead to their death.
The amendments to the law, which are now being submitted to the Legislative Council, are proposed to enter into force on 1 August 2018."
https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/orebro/regeringen-vill-forbjuda-utvinning-av-uran"

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** A new attempt or if not intentionally and unconsciously, then they have learned nothing from the Cementa case and the crisis:
Press release- 12 June 2024
"Svemin - Bästeträsk National Park increases Sweden's vulnerability

Protection of valuable nature is an important measure to preserve natural and cultural environments. Svemin is not opposed to a new national park on Gotland, but when it comes to the concrete proposal now put forward by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency for the Bästeträsk area, the scope must be changed. The proposal must go back to the drawing board so that Sweden's security of supply of so-called ultra-pure limestone is not jeopardised.​

Within the proposed national park are some of Sweden's best limestone deposits. This is not limestone used by the cement industry - which is also on the island - but in the designated area there is limestone of a uniquely high quality used for liming lakes and purifying drinking water, as a soil amendment for agriculture, for steel production and for flue gas cleaning. This is why it was designated as a national interest for valuable substances and materials back in 2005. In the justification, SGU pointed out that ‘...the Stucks limestone deposit is well known through geological and geophysical surveys and very important from a supply point of view.’

However, with the current draft design and proposed regulations, the national park would make all extraction of limestone impossible, which would jeopardise Sweden's security of supply in the near future.
- The limestone deposits in this area of northern Gotland are unique to Sweden, being of a very high quality. There are no known similar deposits outside Gotland. I would like to emphasise that these are really important deposits for society and that this type of limestone cannot be replaced by other materials,’ says Katarina Nilsson, PhD in bedrock geology and head of research and supply preparedness at Svemin.
The proposed national park thus poses a long-term threat to Sweden's security of supply and will lead to increased emissions of greenhouse gases, NOx and sulphur when domestic production has to be replaced by imports that require long-distance transport. Increased import dependency at a time when geopolitical tensions are rising in our neighbourhood is not desirable.
A national park in this area could also have a negative impact on Finland. Since the second half of the 20th century, northern Gotland has been of great importance for Finland's supply of limestone.
- From a NATO perspective, the resilience of both countries‘ industries and communities would be reduced if the plans for the Bästeträsk National Park are realised as currently proposed,’ says Katarina Nilsson.
- Finland, like mainland Sweden, has a bedrock with limited access to sedimentary limestone that can be processed in today's energy-efficient lime kilns.
Svemin therefore questions the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's assessment that the proposed national park is compatible with designated national interests for valuable substances and materials.
- A national park is the strongest protection an area can receive. This new national park is proposed to be located directly adjacent to several national interest areas relating to lime. ‘As the regulations are designed, with for example wording on the prohibition of hydrological impact, it is obvious that a national park would prevent all lime mining not only inside the national park but also in the vicinity of the national park,’ says Tobias Kluge, industry lawyer at Svemin.

What needs to be done now?
- ‘As I said, we are not against a national park, but since this one is proposed to go right up to the border of already existing national interests and thus in practice makes operations impossible, functioning buffer zones would need to be created so that the socially important deposits of ultra-pure lime can continue to secure Sweden's security of supply,’ says Tobias Kluge.

How extensive would these buffer zones need to be?
- ‘This would need to be investigated in more detail, the important thing is that the lime operations can be future-proofed, both for us here in Sweden and for our neighbour Finland,’ says Tobias Kluge.
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's proposal for a national park on northern Gotland is thus a potentially harmful proposal for Sweden's security of supply. Svemin therefore calls on the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency to withdraw and revise the proposal, so that the boundaries of the park can be changed in a way that ensures Sweden's security of supply and raw material supply.

Better late than never. Sounds tailor-made for our case.

"Press release from the Ministry of Climate and Business Affairs, Ministry of Rural Affairs and Infrastructure

Environmental licensing inquiry receives new supplementary directive​

Published 21 January 2025

The Environmental Permit Inquiry was appointed in June 2023. The inquiry's mission was to take a holistic approach to the Swedish environmental assessment under the Environmental Code. The environmental permit processes need to be simplified and shortened by making the review more flexible, efficient and predictable. The investigator presented his report to the government at a press conference on 21 January 2025.

The Government has now decided to give additional directives to the Environmental Permit Inquiry. The inquiry will:

• assess the possibilities of providing information at an early stage on the public's basic view of the suitability of a particular activity at a particular location.
• investigate how the processing time in the planning and construction process can be shortened by, among other things, clearer rules on the documentation to be produced in planning cases and for a change in the appeals procedure.
• analyse whether the total processing time for permit assessments under the Environmental Code can be shortened.
• propose how the Industrial Emissions Directive should be implemented in the new system for environmental assessment.
• analyse how the regulatory framework can be changed in order not to set higher requirements than those required by the Water Framework Directive.

- The Environmental Permitting Inquiry was given a comprehensive remit to succeed in fundamentally reforming the authorisation processes. The government sees a need to further investigate certain issues. That is why we have decided on an additional mandate for the inquiry,’ says Minister for Climate and Environment Romina Pourmokhtari.

- Decisions on detailed plans and building permits can currently be appealed in several different instances, which means that planning and construction processes are often prolonged and planned housing is delayed, sometimes by several years. The inquiry is now tasked with reviewing this to shorten lead times and contribute to more efficient and predictable authorisation processes. This includes expanding the requirements for leave to appeal, reducing the number of people who can appeal zoning decisions, and investigating the introduction of a fee for appeals under the Planning and Building Act. The investigator will also assess whether the public sector's need for investigations within the framework of the planning process can be limited and clarified,’ says Minister for Infrastructure and Housing Andreas Carlson.
The new assignment must be reported in parts by 1 July 2025 for the part concerning the provisions on land and water management and by 31 December 2025 for the part concerning shortening the time required for examination in the planning and building process and in connection with appeals under the Environmental Code. The other parts must be reported by 31 March 2026."

"22 January 2025

Two out of three Swedes want to strengthen the mining industry​

The majority of Swedish residents aged 18 to 79 want the right conditions for Swedish mining to ensure the supply of socially important metals. Three out of four, 74 percent, believe that mining is important for the Swedish economy. This is shown in a study by the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) and Novus.
..."