The mining industry's joint efforts to enhance biodiversity continue to attract international attention. When the major mining conference Mine Closure takes place in Luleå in September, Ecogain's Tove Hägglund will be the keynote speaker and present the Mining with Nature initiative - Sweden's first industry-wide roadmap for biodiversity.
An industry-wide initiative
Mining with Nature was launched in 2020 by the entire Swedish mining and minerals industry, with the aim of contributing to the Biodiversity Net Gain by 2030. The work is based on the mitigation hierarchy - avoid, minimize, restore and ultimately compensate - and serves as a common platform for guidelines, knowledge exchange and innovation.
- Closure is not just about managing risk and liability. It is an opportunity to recreate functioning ecosystems that enhance biodiversity and future land use," says Tove Hägglund, Ecogain.
Read more about Mining with Nature
Inspiring other industries
Mining with Nature has quickly become a model. For example, the Swedish Aggregates Industry (SBMI) has developed its own biodiversity roadmap, and other sectors such as real estate and wind power are developing similar initiatives.
Read the article on SBMI's biodiversity roadmap
From roadmap to reality
Kiruna (LKAB)
Ecogain has been commissioned by LKAB to develop a 150-year vision for ecological landscape design of the Kiruna mine. The goal is to recreate natural ecosystems that benefit reindeer husbandry, biodiversity and ecosystem services when the mine one day closes.
Stekenjokk (Boliden)
In collaboration with Ecogain, Boliden is developing methods to re-establish vegetation in the Arctic climate at the abandoned mine. The focus is on recreating reindeer grazing and building knowledge for aftercare in extremely vulnerable environments.
Waste2Place (joint innovation project)
Ecogain is participating in the development of geomorphological design for the disposal of waste rock in Svappavaara. By mimicking natural landscapes, erosion can be reduced, vegetation established and long-term stable, nature-friendly environments created.
Degerhamn (Heidelberg Materials)
In the abandoned limestone quarry on Öland, Ecogain is leading the work on an ecological rehabilitation plan. The aim is to create a mosaic of alpine meadows, wetlands and recreational areas - a landscape that enhances biodiversity and becomes accessible to people.
Want to know more?
Here you can find the program for the conference in Luleå, where Tove Hägglund presents Mining with Nature and Ecogain's work with the mining industry.
You can read more about the roadmap and the Mining with nature initiative here.
