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!
