Environmental permitting process, implementation of water directive, evaluating consequences for Swedish mining

Purpose and goal:

The project is based on a feasibility study where representatives of the largest mining companies identified challenges that have not been addressed or are not handled adequately.1. Problems related to the design of the Swedish environmental permit processes, which are carried out in court in the first instance and where certain authorities are given special rights as stakeholders in the process. 2. uncertainties, challenges and consequences related to the application and interpretation of EU directives, above all the framework directive for water.

Expected results and effects:

The intended outcome of the project is to contribute to a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the current environmental permit processes for mines, as well as the application of the Water Directive. And further, based on this, consider opportunities for reforms that can lead to a safer, more efficient and more innovation-friendly permit process for mining projects, as well as a more efficient and adequate application of the water directive in mining-related cases.

Approach and implementation: The project includes four work packages: Project management and coordination The permit process for the environment The interpretation and implementation of the framework directive for water Dialogue, communication & consultation

Georange owns and is the author to the project through its members. Georange is a non-profit independent organization that works with sustainability issues in the mineral sector, and has a wide range of members in various industries and organizations with a focus on northern Sweden.