Exploration work and its impact on the environment

Purpose and goal

Exploration work makes it possible to find new mineral deposits and Sweden is one of the countries in Europe where we expect there are more metals and minerals worth mining. The aim of this project is to increase the knowledge in Sweden about the environmental impact caused by exploration activities. By hamonizing semantics, explore the environmental impacts the different activities may have and then share the knowledge we hope to enable transparent and predictable permitting processes.

Expected effects and result

The outcome from the project will be guidelines explaining exploration activities and their environmental impacts. There will be two versions – one aimed at exploration companies and authorities and one shorter easy-to-read version aimed at anyone in society wishing to understand more about exploration activities.

Planned approach and implementation

The work will be carried out between 7 Nov 2024 - 7 Jan 2026 and will be divided into five work packages: AP1: Prospecting activities - description of different activities used AP2: Environmental impact of exploration activities - investigation of environmental impact of the described activities AP3: Permitting processes - analysis of Swedish permitting processes for exploration AP4: Guidelines - development of guidelines AP5: Project management and information dissemination