Sweden’s parliament, the Riksdag, has voted to repeal a 2018 moratorium on uranium mining, reopening the country to exploration and production beginning January 1 The decision restores uranium’s status under the Minerals Act, enabling companies to apply for exploration and mining concessions after a seven-year freeze
The move positions Sweden — which holds an estimated 27% of Europe’s known uranium resources, according to the Geological Survey of Sweden — to play a larger role in Europe’s energy transition and nuclear fuel supply security
“It is very positive that the Riksdag is now backing the government’s proposal,” said Maria Sunér, CEO of the Swedish Mining Association (Svemin) “There are no factual reasons for uranium to be treated differently than other metals, and it is therefore entirely reasonable that we now have the opportunity to utilize the resources found in our bedrock efficiently
