Malmbrytning

Malmbrytning, Swedish for ore mining, refers to the extraction of valuable minerals and metals from the earth’s crust. The activity dates back to prehistoric times when early humans gathered surface deposits of gold, copper and tin. Throughout history, the development of mining technology—such as hydraulic sluicing, underground drilling, and surface strip mining—has enabled deeper and more efficient resource extraction.

Modern malmbrytning is divided into open‑pit (surface) and underground mining. Open‑pit mining is used when ore bodies are close to the surface and the surrounding strata are relatively weak. Underground mining, using shafts and tunnels, allows access to deeper deposits. Both methods typically involve drilling, blasting, hauling, and crushing of ore, followed by beneficiation processes such as flotation or smelting to isolate the desired metal.

The industry is a crucial part of the Swedish economy, supplying raw materials for construction, electronics and renewable energy technologies. Major Swedish producers include LKAB for iron ore, Boliden for copper and zinc, and various companies exploiting nickel, lithium and rare earth elements. European Union and national regulations govern environmental protection, workers’ safety and land restoration after mine closure.

Environmental impacts include landscape alteration, habitat loss, water contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions from machinery and processing plants. To mitigate these effects, modern malmbrytning practices incorporate reclamation plans, tailings management, and carbon capture technologies. As resource demand shifts toward critical minerals for batteries and green technologies, Sweden is investing in research to improve extraction efficiency and reduce ecological footprints, while maintaining adherence to stringent regulatory frameworks.