Sweden declares mining national security interest

Sweden's government declared mining of critical metals and rare earth minerals a national security interest on July 23, 2026, to counter dependence on China. Enterprise Minister Ebba Busch announced a new mining strategy to speed up planning and permissions, and the government is considering creating a state-owned investment company for the mining sector. The Per Geijer deposit near LKAB's Kiruna mine, with 1.2 billion tons of mineral resources including 2.2 million tons of rare earth oxides, is a key EU flagship project. The move aims to reduce reliance on China, which dominates rare earth mining and refining, and to support EU and NATO defense capabilities. Tensions exist with the Sami indigenous people over land use.