A green future? Perspectives on prospecting for 'critical' metals and mineral in Sweden.

In the debate about the Swedish mining industry, sustainability is used to argue both for and against increased extraction of minerals and metals. The stakeholders’ perspectives are often grounded in different views on the relationship between humans and nature, as well as conflicting definitions of sustainability. Through case studies at several sites in Sweden where exploration for metals and minerals is taking place, this study aims to examine how different definitions of sustainability are expressed, enacted, and made meaningful in contexts where global, national, commercial, and local interests are in conflict.

The results will contribute to research on the social consequences of the ongoing energy transition and also help increase understanding of conflicts around exploration for metals and minerals in various parts of Sweden.

Project objective

Through case studies in different parts of Sweden where prospecting for ‘critical’ metals and mineral takes place, this study aims to investigate how contesting definitions of sustainability are verbalised and receive meaning in contexts where global, national, commercial, and local interests intersect.