Government targets faster mine approvals

The Swedish government plans to transfer environmental permitting for mines, industrial facilities, wind farms, and nuclear plants from the Land and Environmental Court to a new dedicated agency by July 2027.

Energy and Business Minister Ebba Busch (Christian Democrats) says the reform will create a more efficient and predictable approval process by consolidating all permitting functions under one authority, including consultation processes currently handled by county boards.

The initiative aims to meet EU Critical Raw Materials Regulation requirements for 27-month permit timelines on designated projects. Parliament must still approve the September 19 government decision before implementation.