Government inquiry recommends lifting Swedish uranium ban

Monday, 23 December 2024

Uranium exploration and mining has been prohibited in Sweden since 2018, but in February this year Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari announced that a government inquiry would look into abolishing the ban.

The inquiry has now published its conclusions, in which it recommends that uranium be regulated as a "concession mineral" under the Minerals Act. This would allow deposits containing economic quantities of uranium to be exploited like other natural resources in the country. It envisages the legislation required would enter into force on 1 January 2026.

"More than a quarter of Europe's known uranium reserves are found in Sweden's bedrock," Pourmokhtari said. "Being able to mine uranium is absolutely essential for our work on climate change, to reduce emissions and dependence on fossil fuels and energy sources. I want us to mine and make use of the mineral that is found in Sweden, where the Swedish mining industry is among the most environmentally friendly and safe in the entire world."

Sweden's ban on uranium mining has had a negative impact for critical raw materials that are necessary in technology and climate-smart products, Energy and Industry Minister Ebba Busch said. "Removing the ban is absolutely necessary to reduce our dependence on third countries, create jobs and enable more ethical mines," she added.

The inquiry's findings - or memorandum - are now being referred for consultation to the relevant authorities, organisations, municipalities and other stakeholders. Australian mineral company Aura Energy, owner of the Häggån vanadium, potash and uranium project in Sweden, has been named as a party to the consultation, and said the inquiry's findings align Sweden’s mining legislation with its energy policy that calls for a substantial expansion of nuclear power. Extracting uranium from a "substantial endowment of geology which hosts uranium as a by-product would greatly increase Sweden’s energy security", it said.

"This is an important first step for Sweden to continue its path towards low-carbon energy self sufficiency," Aura Energy Managing Director and CEO Andrew Grove said. "Sweden has a rich geological endowment that can be harnessed to provide zero emissions nuclear power for both its own domestic use, as well as for export.  

"Sweden has high environmental standards and a robust permitting system, which would of course also cover uranium extraction should this proposal be enacted. Uranium can be mined safely and put to use in support of the transition to carbon free energy in Sweden, Europe and across the globe. It will also reduce Sweden’s dependence on imported energy sources and release significant value for Sweden’s economy."

Häggån, in the municipality of Berg in the county of Jämtland, contains about 800 million pounds U3O8 (307,718 tU), which Aura says could meet Sweden's uranium needs for over 300 years, at current usage levels.

The public can also comment during the consultation process, which will run until 20 March.