LCA in mining - a legal and international outlook
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB - RISE Research Institute of Sweden AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 460 000 |
| Project duration | January 2025 - July 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
19 EU legislations and 7 non-EU countries have been studied focusing on LCA and the mining industry. It has given a "Spring 2025"-snapshot, as there is so much going on. It is clear that the EU is at the forefront and other countries are following, but harmonization of legislation would reduce the administrative burden. Several laws are directly linked to LCA and the mining sector such as the CRMA and the Battery Regulation, while other laws indirectly require corresponding information.
Expected long term effects
Increased understanding of the requirements enables the Swedish mining and extraction industry to prepare, actively contribute to shaping legislation, and influence how it is implemented in practice. Environmental efforts are crucial, and life cycle assessments (LCA) provide comparable results cross countries and sectors, highlighting the benefits of Sweden’s long-term commitment to this issue. Altogether, this strengthens the industry´s competitiveness.
Approach and implementation
The work was carried out by RISE during the spring of 2025, primarily through literature studies. The work has been summarized in a report written in both Swedish and English, and presented in two webinars (one in Swedish, one in English), one conference in Luleå in May and a seminar in Södertälje in June. Connected to the project there was also a dedicated reference group with representatives from 14 companies and organizations.