Sustainable Mining in Europe –

The Nordic experience

Lars-Åke Lindahl

SveMin

(Swedish Association of mines, mineral and metal producers)

Non-energy mining industry in EuropeBucharest, 15 May 2008

Outline

• Introduction• The three pillars of sustainable

development/sustainable mining– Economic– Social– Ecology/Environment

• Concluding comments

Explorationaccess to land

Competence Treatieswith unions

Metalprod.issues

Health & Safety

EU-monitoring

Energy Environment

Swedish Association of Mines, Mineral and Metal Producers

The three pillars of Sustainable development

• Economic

• Social

• Ecology/Environment

Source: SGU

Source: SGU

2nd (Poland)

12.4 %86.7 KtCopper

2nd (Ireland)

30.8 %55.6 KtLead

2nd (Ireland)

25.4 %210 KtZinc

1st2nd

(Poland)

32.8 %16.9 %

6.8 t292 t

GoldSilver

1st89.6 %23.3 MtIron

PlacePart of EU production

ProductionMetal

Swedish mine production 2006

Source: SGU (Swedish Geological Survey)

Iron

Sulphide

Gold

Industrial Minerals

Operating

Planned

Mines in Sweden

KIRUNA MINE (LKAB)

Automated drillrig, Kiruna mine

Remote Controlled Electrical Loader,

Kiruna mine

THE AITIK MINE (Boliden)

Source: SGU

Source: SGU

The three pillars of Sustainable development

• Economic

• Social

• Ecology/Environment

Occupational AccidentsLost Day Injury Frequency Rate 1988-2007

Swedish Mining and Mineral Industry (all employees)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

No.

per

1 m

illio

n w

orke

d ho

urs Under ground

SurfaceTotal

Mining Industry is important in Sweden

• Offers employment in regions with few other major employers

• Growth engine in rural areas• Sector with highest future potential

according to government report (in these areas)

Employment the base for social development!

• 1 job in the mine brings 3-4 related jobs (contractors, suppliers, services)

• Base for local community services (schools, health care etc), culture and other important social factors

The three pillars of Sustainable development

• Economic

• Social

• Ecology/Environment

Legislation

• EU Directives and regulations

• Minerals Act - Approval by Mining Inspector

Exploration permitMining permit (Concession)

• Environmental Code

• Permit with conditions by the Environmental court

Voluntary initiatives

• Ethical rules for members of SveMin• Guidelines for exploration• Dam safety guidelines• International Cyanide Code

Total emissions from Boliden Swedish Mines

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

År

Metaller till vatten (Cu+Pb+Zn) ton/år

Stoft till luft (Cu+Pb+Zn) ton/årWaterCu, Pb, Zn

Air, Cu, Pb, Zn

Ton/Year

Year

Below 0.10

0.10 - 0.20

0.20 - 0.30

0.30 - 0.40

0.40 - 0.50

0.50 - 0.60

0.60 - 0.80

0.80 - 1.20

Above 1.20

Cd (µg/g mossa torrvikt) 1975

Below 0.10

0.10 - 0.20

0.20 - 0.30

0.30 - 0.40

0.40 - 0.50

0.50 - 0.60

0.60 - 0.80

0.80 - 1.20

Above 1.20

Cd (µg/g mossa torrvikt) 1985

Below 0.10

0.10 - 0.20

0.20 - 0.30

0.30 - 0.40

0.40 - 0.50

0.50 - 0.60

0.60 - 0.80

0.80 - 1.20

Above 1.20

Cd (µg/g mossa torrvikt) 1995

Cd (µg/g moss dry weight)

1975 19951985

Source: IVL

Sulphidic tailings before and after initiation of weathering

Non-oxidisedtailings

Oxidisedtailings

Conclusion: Avoid oxidation in all stages!

Stekenjokk – rehabilitated minesite

The Saxberget Decommissioning

Application of protective cover

Cover completed

Grass cover established

Gold leaching

• Several new plants• Applies international “Cyanide Code”• Closed systems • De-tox (e.g. INCO air/SO2 process)• Emissions well below EU-requirements

The way to success

• Dialogue and confidence• Agree on problems• Authorities to set the targets in dialogue

with operators and give realistic time frames (the ”What?” and ”When?”)

• Industry to develop the technical solutions (the ”How?”)

The situation today

• Generally low emissions during operation• Technologies exist for safe mine closure

Main impact when something goes wrong …

Shift in Focus towards

• Land use & Biodiversity• Energy consumption• Waste management, long term• Environmental Management Systems• Risk Management (Dam safety,

chemicals)

Sustainable Mining in Sweden

Economic

• Global need of ores/metals today and in the future

• Sweden has geological potential

• Attracts international investments

• Competitive and profitable industry

• Significant contribution to regional/national economy

Sustainable Mining in Sweden

Social

• Accident rates reduced dramatically, continued efforts

• In many regions, mining is driving local and regional development

Sustainable Mining in Sweden

Environmental

• Swedish mining industry is proactive and meets high environmental standards

• It is possible to combine mining with a high level of environmental protection and nature conservation (e.g. approval of mining close to Natura 2000)

Welcome to ”Securing the Future” and the 8thICARDSkellefteå, Sweden, 22 - 26 June 2009

www.securing.skelleftea.se

Thank you for your attention!Thank you for your attention!