Memorandum on Natura 2000 permits in connection with mining operations

The Ministry of Climate and Business issued a memorandum concerning the investigation of the permitting process for mining activities in protected environmental areas known as Natura 2000 zones. Previously, courts have set the precedent that Natura 2000 permits are a prerequisite for an application for a processing concession under the Minerals Act. In order to avoid undue burden on applicants at this early stage of business development, the Ministry has proposed constitutional amendments to integrate the Natura 2000 permit examination, when such a permit is required with the examination of the environmental permit, at a later stage of the process. With these amendments, which are proposed to enter into force in 2024, the Ministry intends to improve efficiency in the mining sector. 

Want to know more about this policy ? Learn more (Swedish)