The legal regime for mining in the Nordic countries. In particular, the cases of Sweden and Finland

Abstract

The EU minerals industry has undergone significant restructuring in recent decades, and plays a crucial role in the regional economy. In addition to supplying essential raw materials, it generates employment, exports know-how and high quality products.

Indeed, raw materials are central to the EU economy, with approximately 30 million jobs dependent on them. Growing demand and supply challenges, such as price volatility and market distortions, coupled with environmental risks are addressed in the Strategic Implementation Plan for the European Innovation Partnership on Raw Materials. This plan proposes measures to secure sustainable supply and make Europe a leader in raw materials exploration, extraction, recycling and substitution. However, the importance of the extractive industries is not always adequately recognised in European policies.

Against this background, this paper analyses the legal regime for mining in two Nordic countries, Sweden and Finland, with a special focus on the mining authorisations. Sweden is a major mineral producer, while Finland stands out for its investment attractiveness and favourable public policies, which underlines its importance in the raw materials sector.