Mineral exploration is the foundation for securing the raw materials that drive our technological progress, enable the green transition, and power the electrification of society. Metals and minerals are not optional, they are essential for everything from renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles to digital infrastructure and advanced medical equipment. In fact, nearly everything in modern life, from bicycles and buildings to smartphones and wind turbines, depends on a wide variety of metals. With a growing population and rising living standards, demand for these materials continues to increase.
Sweden is fortunate to have world class geology and significant resources. By responsibly exploring and developing these resources – both existing and future ones – we can ensure that the materials needed for the future are produced sustainably, efficiently, and with the highest environmental and social standards.
For uranium specifically, exploration plays a critical role in strengthening Sweden’s and Europe’s energy security. Nuclear energy is a cornerstone of a reliable, carbon-free electricity system, and locally sourced uranium reduces dependence on unstable or high-risk suppliers abroad. By developing our own uranium resources, Sweden and Europe can lessen their reliance on imports from countries such as Russia, China and other countries where democratic governance and acceptable ESG standards are questionable or non-existent.
Ultimately, our work in mineral exploration is about more than discovering ore deposits. It is about contributing to a sustainable, independent, and future-ready society:
- Enabling the green transition by supplying the critical materials needed for renewable technologies and electrification.
- Securing energy independence through a reliable domestic source of uranium for safe, low-carbon nuclear power.
- Strengthening Europe’s resilience by reducing strategic vulnerabilities in the supply of critical minerals.
- Creating value responsibly by following sustainable mining practices and contributing to local communities and economies.
Source: SGU, “Samhällets behov av metaller”, https://www.sgu.se/mineralnaring/mineralnaring-och-samhalle/samhallets-behov-av-metall