Sweden to lift ban on uranium mining

Sweden’s Climate Minister, Romina Pourmokhtari, has unveiled plans to lift the nation’s ban on uranium mining, thereby paving the way for an expanded nuclear energy capacity.

Pourmokhtari told The Times that a majority within the Swedish Parliament supports the ban’s removal.

The government has outlined the construction of a minimum of ten large reactors within the next two decades.

In January, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson shared with reporters that the government is in the process of “altering the legislation,” which will encourage heightened nuclear investment within the country.

Sweden’s nuclear power reactors provide about 40% of its electricity.

In 1980, the government decided to phase out nuclear power. In June 2010, Parliament voted to repeal this policy.

“The government is aiming at doubling electricity production in 20 years,” Pourmokhtari told The Times.

Sweden accounts for 80% of the European Union’s uranium deposits and currently engages in uranium extraction as a byproduct during the mining of other metals.

Aura Energy and District Metals have expressed interest in developing uranium projects in the country.

THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED ON MINING.COM.