More positive attitudes to mining in Sweden

The same question, if the Swedish mining industry should be given the opportunity to develop in order to secure the supply of important metals, was asked in another survey undertaken by SGU together with the SOM Institute in 2019. At that time, 52 % of the respondents said that they partially or completely agree with the statement. Thus the attitudes to the mining industry have improved in the last three years.

– This is in line with the fact that as a society, we are starting to realise that we depend on other countries for our raw materials. There is also an increased understanding that we need to extract more metals and minerals to achieve the green transition, says SGU Director General Anneli Wirtén.

The survey by Novus also shows that almost seven out of ten people (68 %) think that the Swedish mining industry is important for the creation of new jobs. A similar proportion (73 %) think that the mining industry is important to the Swedish economy. Every second person (49 %) could envisage accepting an active mine in their vicinity, and more than a third (36 %) could see themselves working in the mining industry.

– This is very positive for the continued development of Swedish mining and for securing our supply of raw materials. Not least because interest in the mining industry and the availability of skilled employees is vital for the success of the industry, says Anneli Wirtén.

According to seven out of ten people (69 %) there is a conflict between the mining industry and the environment. However four out of ten (44 %) state that the mining industry is important for the reduction of negative climate impact, whereas one of ten (10 %) think that mining is of little or no importance in this regard. Almost half (47 %) are undecided or neutral.

– Mining will always have an impact on the environment. The Swedish environmental legislation is strong and provides a good framework for minimising the local environmental consequences. And the raw materials extracted are necessary for the technology we need for the reduction of global climate emissions, says Anneli Wirtén.

The Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) has been tasked by the Swedish government to further the sustainable utilisation of the mineral resources of Sweden, and to promote sustainable growth and business development of the mining industry.

The survey was carried out in December 2022 and comprises 2 046 interviews.

The entire Novus report has been published here:

Download the report Attitudes towards the Swedish mining industry

The previous survey by the SOM Institute in 2019 can be downloaded here (in Swedish):

Gruvnäringen viktig för Sverige enligt befolkningen