BAGUIO CITY – Head of Mission of the Embassy of Sweden in Manila Ambassador Herald Fries said that the Swedish government is committed to sharing their best experiences and work together with the concerned stakeholders in driving sustainability in the country’s mining industry.
“Considering Sweden’s strength when it comes to a well-developed mining ecosystem and sustainable mining solutions along with the Philippines’ thrust towards responsible and sustainable mining, I believe there are ample opportunities waiting to be tapped for further collaboration between our two countries,” Ambassador Fries stressed.
Last October, Business Sweden and the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) signed an agreement aimed at advancing sustainable mining practices in the country.
Sweden is the site of the Falu copper mine that operated for a thousand years from the 10th century until it closed in 1992. The mine supplied as much as two-thirds of Europe’s copper needs.
However, Ambassador Fries claimed that the former mine is now an existing museum and a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, generating tourism income to the local community.
He pointed out that Sweden is honored to be the partner country of the 70th Annual Mine Safety and Environment Conference and that it participated in this conference in full force, with the Embassy of Sweden, Business Sweden, the academe through Lulea University of Technology, and many prominent Swedish companies that showcased innovative and sustainable mining solutions.
Fried share some Swedish perspectives on mining that included the importance of fostering stronger ties between the mining industry and the local community.
“Mining is essential in maintaining the global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The availability of metals and minerals is crucial today as countries commit to meet climate targets, for instance, through a transition from fossil fuel to electric vehicles,” he added.
The Swedish ambassador pointed out that Sweden has a long history of mining and metal refinement and the country is now one of the leading producers of iron ore, zinc, and lead.
Further, the mining sector accounts for about three percent of Sweden’s gross domestic product.
He explained that Sweden’s mining and mineral industry stands as a global leader in technological innovation and sustainability, reflecting its DNA of prioritizing environmental protection, social considerations, green initiatives and safety.
According to him, initiatives like the sustainable underground mining project demonstrate Sweden’s commitment to employ technology that is safe, autonomous, electrified, digitalized and carbon dioxide-free.
As part of the project, Ambassador Fries said that some leading Swedish mining companies operated a test mine to test new and innovative fossil-free solutions and autonomous methods before they are put into real practice.
Moreover, Sweden also has extensive experience working with the socio-economic aspects of mining where building grassroots relationships, including with indigenous communities, is a key part of the said strategy.
The Swedish official underscored that this part of responsible mining is anchored on national policies and on international norms, including the OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises for responsible business.
He added that the Swedish Legislation Act concerning consultations with the Sami people is an important aspect of socially responsible mining in Sweden since the Sami people is indigenous in Northern Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia with a population of around 20,000 in their country.
Fries admitted that mining in Northern Sweden has many times conflicted with the traditional way of life of the Sami. In 2011, Sweden amended its Constitution to promote the opportunities of the Sami people to preserve and develop their own cultural and social life. Part of the requirements to get a mining permit is to do a mapping or demarcation of protected areas for the Sami people. The mining company must also present a plan on the consequences can be managed by the local communities.
He disclosed that a concrete example of Sweden working closely with the community is the ongoing relocation of the mining city of Kiruna in Northern Sweden which is a huge fascinating project.
He noted that due to the expansion of the underground iron ore mine in Kiruna and the risks that it brings with it for the city, it was decided some years ago that most of Kiruna must be relocated to a safer place three kilometers away which is a disruption for the people living there.
The Swedish envoy asserted that a long series of studies and consultation between the local government, the mining company and the residents have led to a change in the initial negative sentiment of the people to a supportive understanding for the move of the city.
He emphasized that this project is understandably not without its challenges, including funding and getting permits to convert land to residential and industrial zones. Based on Swedish mining legislations, the owner of the Kiruna mine is paying for most of the relocation.
“One of the challenges of the move may not be the financial and logistical efforts required to move the city, but the difficulties of transplanting a town’s culture and identity along with its buildings. What has become clear in the process is the importance of building relationships and constant engagements with all the key stakeholders,” Ambassador Fries quipped. By Dexter A. See
