Mining and metal industry partner

The green transition requires many critical raw materials, metals, and minerals, whose responsible production in Europe will increase in the coming years and decades. Sweco’s experts support metal and mining projects throughout their life cycle.

Critical raw material and mineral value chain

We partner in the production of critical raw materials and minerals for the European metal and mining industry. The green transition requires many metals, such as rare earth elements (REE), and minerals listed by the EU in its Critical Raw Material Act (CRMA). The goal is to improve Europe’s self-sufficiency in the production of 34 critical and 17 strategic raw materials.

Finland has some of the best reserves of battery minerals in Europe, and hence the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has published a national mineral strategy. It emphasizes Finland’s role in responsible European mineral production for electric batteries, energy storage , wind power, and green hydrogen projects.

Sweco’s international network of metal and mining project experts

Sweco’s international expert network, particularly in Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Belgium, offers extensive resources and expertise for investments in the metal, mining, and mineral industries, as well as the implementation of projects. We provide local services from zoning and land use planning to environmental permitting, design, project management, site management, and post-construction production development.

We collaborate with metal refining plants and metal and mineral mines of all sizes, from zinc and copper refining to battery metal and phosphate mining. Our goal is to ensure that the acquisition and processing of critical raw materials for society’s green transition are as sustainable as possible for both people and the environment.

Environmental and sustainability consultancy

Sweco’s sustainability consultants assist metal and mining industry operators in the environmental permitting process and fulfilling CSRD reporting requirements. The project’s sustainability and social acceptability can be improved through transparent and meticulous EIA processes and ecological studies. We can also conduct social impact assessments (SIA) through surveys and participatory workshops.

Our environmental experts manage chemical safety and water management permits, BAT assessments, environmental risk analyses, and other special studies. We also assist in navigating legislation related to water purification and mining waste management. The sustainability of the metal and mining industry can be enhanced through circular economy practices, such as recycling metals and minerals from waste areas and tailings ponds.

Download the Sustainable Industry Permitting Guide!

Land use planning in the metal and mineral industry

Planning investments in the metal and mineral industry often begins with land use planning. We assist in Greenfield implementations of new mining areas as well as regional and detailed land using processes. Land use planning is also an essential part of investments in production facilities for green aluminum and steel. Successful land use planning is based on effective collaboration with authorities and municipal representatives, keeping the public informed.

Preliminary planning and feasibility studies

The foundation for profitable industrial activity is laid with preliminary planning studies. Mining projects progress with us from Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) to Feasibility Study (FS) and Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) before the investment decision. We take into account the special needs of the mining project in preliminary planning.

We prepare technical-economic investment, operating, and lifecycle cost estimates and sensitivity analyses for industrial investments. Financing can be sought according to the operator’s procedures or on a market basis.