The global context of mineral resources in northern Europe: geopolitical and sustainability dynamics

The document examines the role of northern Europe, particularly Sweden, in the global production of iron ore and copper. It analyzes how global demand, dominated by China, creates 'boom and bust' cycles that impact local economies and environments. Using Chile as a comparative case, it highlights how resource scarcity and social resistance can limit production, while China's market dominance creates geopolitical dependencies for exporting nations. For northern Europe, the brief suggests that stable regulatory frameworks and assured ancillary resources may attract investment, though stakeholders must remain wary of the social and political implications of foreign mining companies.

• Sweden is a dominant regional producer of base metals, accounting for 91% of all iron ore and 10% of all copper produced in the European Union in 2013. However, on a global scale, the EU's total production of iron ore was only 1.6% and copper was approximately 5% in 2012.
• Global demand for base metals is heavily dominated by China, driven by resource-intensive development including manufacturing, construction, urbanization, and infrastructure. Almost half of the metals traded worldwide are destined for China.
• The viability of mining is dependent on 'social licence to operate' (SLOP), meaning local communities accept the side-effects of mining. Lack of SLOP can lead to protests and direct action that stall mine expansion or continuation.
• Climate change and environmental factors impact mining operations through the availability of ancillary resources. In the Arctic, melting permafrost presents new challenges, while in Chile, recurring droughts linked to climate change have hindered hydropower expansion and caused energy shortages.
• China's dominance as a resource importer creates geopolitical risks for producer countries, including economic dependency and the power to unilaterally set prices or break contracts during price slumps to negotiate lower rates.
• Northern Europe may be an attractive destination for mining investment compared to other regions because it possesses established political and environmental regulatory frameworks and relatively assured long-term supplies of water and power.

APA

Jürisoo, M., & Nilsson, A. E. (2015). The global context of mineral resources in northern Europe: geopolitical and sustainability dynamics. Stockholm Environment Institute. https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/NEW/sei-db-north-europe-minerals.pdf

Chicago

Jürisoo, Marie, and Annika E. Nilsson. The global context of mineral resources in northern Europe: geopolitical and sustainability dynamics. Stockholm Environment Institute, 2015. https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/NEW/sei-db-north-europe-minerals.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Jürisoo |first1=Marie |last2=Nilsson |first2=Annika E. |title=The global context of mineral resources in northern Europe: geopolitical and sustainability dynamics |publisher=Stockholm Environment Institute |date=2015 |url=https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/NEW/sei-db-north-europe-minerals.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{jrisoo2015global, author = {Jürisoo, Marie and Nilsson, Annika E.}, title = {{The global context of mineral resources in northern Europe: geopolitical and sustainability dynamics}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, year = {2015}, url = {https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/NEW/sei-db-north-europe-minerals.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }