A new question from Isak From to Ebba Busch:
"To the Minister of Energy and Business, Ebba Busch (Christian Democrats)
2024/25:21 Secure and Sustainable Access to Minerals and Metals
The mining company Talga has submitted a request to the government for a planning directive because the municipality of Kiruna is delaying the approval of a detailed plan for the graphite mine in Vittangi.
Talga aims to extract graphite, a vital, strategic raw material used in the production of anodes for lithium-ion batteries. The mining company is also constructing the first facility for graphite anode material for batteries in Luleå. Sweden's and the EU's dependence on raw materials from third countries is a major concern. Acceptance of mining is required, particularly from mining municipalities and local populations, who justifiably feel frustrated at not receiving anything in return.
My question to the Minister of Energy and Business, Ebba Busch, is:
Are you considering any new initiatives to clarify the responsibilities of the relevant authorities regarding the permitting processes for the mining and mineral industries? Do you also intend to take the necessary actions to simplify and shorten the permitting processes for the mining and mineral industries?
The mining company emphasizes its ambition to supply 16.2 percent of the EU's demand for natural graphite by 2030. They also plan to produce just over 10 percent of the EU's demand for anode material made from natural graphite during this period. The company argues that Europe's self-sufficiency in critical battery raw materials depends on this mine.
Kiruna municipality, on the other hand, stresses the heavy burden on the municipality due to housing shortages and a weak municipal economy, largely caused by Kiruna's city relocation and other major investments.
Kiruna argues that only costs will arise, with no new revenue, if the municipality invests time and money in conducting a planning process for the proposed mine in Vittangi.
Another reason for Kiruna municipality's resistance is that the tax the municipality can collect is a flat tax. Unlike the national tax, which is higher for high-income earners, all residents must pay the same amount of tax per hundred kronor in municipal tax, regardless of their income. But this is not the only issue. Many mine workers do not pay any income tax at all, as a growing number of them work using the "fly in, fly out" method, meaning not a single tax krona goes to the municipality.
The mining company has progressed significantly in the permit process but now lacks the required current detailed plan.
A secure and sustainable supply of minerals and metals is necessary to enable the green societal transformation, strengthen competitiveness, electrify Sweden, and enhance Sweden’s defense capabilities. More mines are needed to reduce Sweden's and the EU's reliance on raw materials from third countries.
Sweden's and the EU's dependence on raw materials from third countries is significant. At the same time, acceptance for mining is needed, especially from mining municipalities and local populations, who have justifiably grown tired of not receiving anything in return.
My question to the Minister of Energy and Business, Ebba Busch, is: Are you considering any new initiatives to clarify the responsibilities of relevant authorities regarding the permitting processes for the mining and mineral industries?
Additionally, do you intend to take necessary actions to simplify and shorten the permitting processes for the mining and mineral industries?
From the Parliamentary Administration
2024-09-19
To be answered no later than
2024-10-03"
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