https://www.tn.se/hallbarhet/tillstandskaoset-forvarras-23-ar-inn...

https://www.tn.se/hallbarhet/tillstandskaoset-forvarras-23-ar-innan-godkannande/

If the permit processes are not improved, Sweden will miss the climate goals, warn heavy companies, experts and lawyers. "If nothing is done, I see a fairly high risk that Sweden will not be able to do it," says Cementas Karin Comstedt Webb.

The problems with environmental conditions are reminiscent of several places. Sweden has recently plunged into the Fraser Institute's international ranking of attractive mining countries, from place 8 in 2016 to place 36 last year. Furthermore, a survey from the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise shows that resilient environmental permits cost society around SEK 50 billion in three years.

During a seminar at the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, entrepreneurs, lawyers, politicians and opinion leaders agreed in principle on two things: That Sweden should be a leader in industrial climate change. But also that the environmental permit processes must be improved along the way. However, not everyone agrees on the extent of the problem and how it should be addressed.

Among the most influential critics of the environmental processes is Maria Sunér, CEO of the industry organization Svemin, which represents heavy players in the Swedish mining industry.

- The conditions for today's environmental processes consist of a complicated system of detailed legislation from both Swedish laws and EU directives. It is the system that puts business start-ups in a deadlock, she says.

Can take 23 years

Among other things, Maria Sunér sees major problems with the application for a permit being approved being delayed. A quick calculation shows that it can take 22-23 years before a mining company can put the shovel in the ground. And then it's a best case scenario. The projects also risk being delayed by a consultation requirement in environmental legislation, which allows several different authorities to comment on the project and demand answers and additions from the company. The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that the Land and Environment Court does not set clear time limits for how long the authorities may request these supplements.