Exploration in Sweden is regulated by the Minerals Act (1991:45) and the Environmental Code. Different permits are required depending on the stage of the project:
- Exploration permit (undersökningstillstånd)
Grants exclusive rights to explore within a defined area. Applications are submitted to the Mining Inspectorate of Sweden (Bergsstaten). An exploration permit is normally valid for three years and can be extended up to 15 years, with stricter requirements for each extension. The permit itself does not give the right to start field work, for that, a work plan is required.
- Work plan (arbetsplan)
Describes the intended exploration activities (e.g. drilling) and must be submitted to the Mining Inspectorate and shared with affected landowners. Landowners have the right to raise objections, which may then be reviewed by the Mining Inspector. The permit holder must also provide financial security to cover any potential damages. - Exploitation concession (bearbetningskoncession)
If exploration leads to a viable deposit, the company may apply for an exploitation concession, normally granted for 25 years. This defines who has the right to extract the mineral resource and is based on ore evidence and an environmental assessment. However, a concession alone does not grant the right to start mining, additional permits are required. - Environmental permit (miljötillstånd)
Before any mining operation can begin, a permit under the Environmental Code is required. This includes approval of environmental impact assessments (EIA), waste management plans, and water management.
Source: SGU, “Hur en gruva blir till”, https://www.sgu.se/mineralnaring/mineralnaring-och-samhalle/hur-en-gruva-blir-till/