The Swedish parliament has voted to allow uranium mining in the country again, despite concerns from several municipalities. This is reported by the Sweden Herald.
The parties in the government coalition, as well as the “Sweden Democrats”, voted in favor of lifting the ban. The opposition voted against it, and the decision was made by a narrow margin of just one vote.
The changes will come into effect on January 1, 2026, after which the ban on uranium mining introduced in 2018 will expire. The innovations also provide that mines with small uranium deposits will no longer require permits and will not be subject to municipal veto. In the future, the government plans to completely abolish the right of municipalities to block mining – this proposal has already been submitted for discussion.
Government representatives emphasized that the development of our own nuclear energy requires the extraction of the appropriate raw materials.
“I understand that many people are concerned about mining, and this concern should be taken seriously”, said MP Jesper Skalberg Karlsson during the debate, adding that the decision would not lead to uranium mining in every meadow.
Municipalities with large uranium deposits have warned of possible environmental risks, in particular for livestock, agricultural land and water resources.
“This is a huge betrayal for everyone who lives near Sweden’s uranium deposits. Now people are once again forced to live in fear that their environment will be destroyed, ”said Green Party MP Amanda Lind.
Critics of the decision also emphasize the potential threats to public health and the state of the environment, opposing further weakening of municipal veto powers.
