Thursday October 3rd, 2024, 09:00-14:00, Örebro University
Bergslagen remains an important mining region today, with numerous ongoing initiatives aimed at innovation and sustainable development. This area not only continues to produce raw materials but also serves as a hub for technological, social, and cultural advancements in Sweden.
Örebro University is part of Swedish Mining Innovation, the strategic innovation program for the Swedish mining and metal-producing industry. Since March 2024, the University has also been part of a new innovation program, Swedish Metals & Minerals, which aims to ensure a sustainable and resilient supply of metals and minerals, supporting societal transitions. This initiative, part of the Impact Innovation commitment by Formas, Vinnova, and the Swedish Energy Agency, emphasizes collaboration across SMEs, academia, large companies, and society.
In addition, Region Örebro County is involved in a two-year project to enhance regional mining ecosystems in the European Union. This project aims to contribute to the green transition and strategic autonomy in minerals while improving the well-being of citizens in the region. It is led by the OECD in cooperation with DG Reform.
Join us at Mining@ORU 2024 to explore these themes. Maria Swartling, program director of Swedish Metals & Minerals, will discuss our strategies. Andres Sanabria from OECD will outline key takeaways from the mining regions project, including the study trip in Bergslagen in May and a summary of the regional profile with suggested priorities and policy actions to enhance the regional mining ecosystem. Stefan Sädbom, exploration geologist of Bergskraft, will share insights on ongoing projects in Bergslagen. Birgitta Johansen, director of Örebro County Museum, will reflect on Bergslagen’s history and sustainable future from ecological, economic, social, and cultural perspectives. See the full program and list of speakers below!
“I’m excited to announce that Peter Whitbread-Abrutat from Future Terrains has joined our program! Pete is an environmental specialist with extensive experience in natural resource management and sustainable development. His expertise spans environmental and social performance, mine closure, and landscape restoration. Recently, he co-authored the Eden Project book, 102 Things to Do with a Hole in the Ground. Don’t miss the chance to hear his unique insights and be inspired by his innovative approach to environmental challenges”, says Lotta Sartz, Senior Projekt Manager and organizer of the event.
The event will also feature presentations on research projects and collaboration initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable mining practices in Bergslagen and beyond.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the exciting developments in Bergslagen and how we can work together towards a sustainable future in mining.
Register here
Program
08:45 – 09:15 Welcome! Coffee and mingling
09:15 – 09:45 Birgitta Johansen, Örebro County Museum
Bergslagen’s history and sustainable future from economic, social, and cultural perspectives
09:45 – 09:55 Lotta Sartz, Örebro University
Intro on the project “Enhancing EU Mining Regional Ecosystems to Support the Green Transition and Secure Mineral Raw Materials Supply”
09:55 – 10:15 Andres Sanabria, OECD
Key takeaways from the mining regions project, priorities and policy actions to enhance the regional mining ecosystem
10:15 -10:30 Monika Andersson, Zinkgruvan Mining
Surveys show Zinkgruvan Mining has a high level of social licence to operate. Monika Andersson shares some of the company´s practices regarding social performance
10:30 – 10:50 Coffee break
10:50 – 11:15 Stefan Sädbom, Bergskraft Bergslagen
Why explore and mine in Bergslagen? Current exploration and mining projects
11:15 – 11:30 Lars Lindblom, Samarkand2015
Revival of the mining industry in the Ludvika region with Blötberget
11:30 – 12:10 Peter Whitbread-Abrutat, Future Terrains
‘A Mine Ends; What Then?’ Best practice examples from the book 102 Things to Do with a Hole in the Ground
12:10 – 13:20 Lunch and mingling
13:20 – 13:40 Maria Swartling, Program Director Swedish Metals & Minerals
Ensuring a sustainable and resilient metals and mineral supply for the societal transition, how will this be done and what are our strategies?
13:40 – 14:00 Lotta Sartz, Monika Berg, and Per Carlborg, Örebro University
Summary and Discussion with researchers in Environmental Sociology and Business Administration
Register here
