The need for rare earth metals is great due to the large industrial investments in Sweden.
The government now wants to increase mineral production and see more mines.
Today, the player who wants to open a new mine where a Natura 2000 area is affected needs to make an assessment before a processing concession is in place.
Environmental assessment takes place at a later stage.
- It's like doing it twice.
It has deterred many from trying to mine minerals in Sweden, says Minister of Trade and Industry Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson (S).
The mine in Laver is highlighted as an example
As an example, the Minister of Trade and Industry highlights Boliden's application for a processing concession for the copper deposit in Laver outside Älvsbyn.
Boliden stated in its application that it is too early in the process to make a Natura 2000 investigation, which led Bergsstaten to say no.
The government later in 2020 followed Bergsstaten's line.
Boliden appealed the decision to the Supreme Administrative Court, where the case is still pending.
The government is now appointing an inquiry to change the legislation, which will be ready on 28 February 2023.
- The requirements are the same.
It is the time when the trial is to take place that is to change.
There is no environmental downside to this proposal.