LTU has built up Swedish School of Mines
This includes research that extends along the entire mineral and metal value-chain, several master's and civil engineering programmes and an international bachelor's programme.
"We invest in and educate competence for the green transition. Swedish School of Mines is a unique initiative to deliver the skills and competence that the world demands," says Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn, rector at Luleå University of Technology.
The university has developed a unique and extensive research competence in the field of mining and metals, such as finding metals via the subjects of ore geology and exploration geophysics. And also mining ore via mining and rock engineering, as well as extracting and recycling via mineral engineering and process metallurgy. Within applied geochemistry there is expertise in water and waste management and how the surrounding environment is affected by mining. Those subjects are unique in Sweden and this combination of subjects is unique in Europe.
The investment is well timed. In Norrbotten and Västerbotten, billions of euros are being invested for a fossil-free future. The Earth's growing population and climate change are demanding new thinking and a transformation of societies. The need for metals and minerals is increasing to cope with this. This requires engineers and other trained personnel with relevant skills.
Sweden accounts for 93% of all iron ore produced within the EU and is thus Europe's leading mining nation.
Lennart Håkansson
