New innovation initiative on metals and minerals

Luleå Metals&Minerals is an initiative that is now receiving initial funding of SEK 100 million over five years. Operations will be conducted in five locations: Luleå, Sandviken, Örebro, Stockholm and Jönköping.

The initiative is part of the major innovation initiative Impact Innovation. The aim of Metals&Minerals is to ensure access to minerals and metals so that the transition of the energy and transport sectors can be completed and the EU can strengthen its resilience in terms of material supply.

The decision by the government funding bodies the Swedish Energy Agency, Formas and Vinnova concerns SEK 100 million over five years, half of which comes from the financiers, and half from mining and steel companies. The funds will cover the establishment and operation of the Metals&Minerals program office. After five years, the consortium can apply for funding for another five years.

In addition to the approved funding from the Swedish Energy Agency, Formas and Vinnova, the aim is to obtain additional funding for the research to be carried out.

'We are aiming for SEK 150 million per year from the funders, and the same amount from us in the industry. This is an extensive initiative, but these issues are central to a sustainable future," says Maria Swartling, Program Manager at Sustainable Steel Region.

The consortium includes Jernkontoret (coordinator), Svemin, Svenska Gjuteriföreningen, Svenskt Aluminium, Sustainable Steel Region, Luleå University of Technology, LTU Business and Örebro University.

Lennart Håkansson

editor@northswedenbusiness.com