Acknowledging the significance of mining in the economic, social, and environmental domains for both Sweden and the Philippines, Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) spearheaded a delegation to Sweden. Luis Sarmiento, president of the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association; Engr. Adrian Caamiño from Mindanao State University; and Swedish companies Epiroc and Volvo Construction Equipment also joined the delegation.

Business Sweden and the Embassy of Sweden in Manila hosted the high-level mining delegation to Sweden, which focused on knowledge-sharing and provided firsthand exposure to Sweden’s advanced clean mining solutions.

Sweden is a leading mining nation at the forefront of sustainable and innovative mining technologies, accounting for approximately 90% of all iron ore production in Europe, and ranked No. 1 in the 2024 Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index. Swedish companies represent about 65% of the global underground mining equipment market share and have developed initiatives such as the Hybrit green steel production and electrified and automated mines, resulting in increased safety.

Sweden’s history in mining dates back more than 800 years, and the past century has been marked by a successful triple-helix collaboration bringing together government, the private sector, and academia for research and innovation. Currently, there are 13 mines in operation, including the world’s largest underground iron ore mine in Kiruna.

Swedish Minister for Climate and the Environment Romina Pourmokhtari and Secretary Loyzaga met bilaterally and exchanged views on possible areas of cooperation, including in the fields of green transition, sustainable mining, disaster risk management, water quality and supply management, ocean and coastal protection, forestry, and infrastructure projects arising from the Philippine National Adaptation Plan 2023–2050 and the Implementation Plan for the Republic of the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 2020–2030.

“The Philippines appreciates Sweden’s pledge to contribute to the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage. The Philippines, as the host of the Board of the Fund, ensures that the Fund is used in accordance with the objectives set forth during the 27th Conference of Parties in 2022,” said Secretary Loyzaga, who is also President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s representative in the Climate Change Commission.

In the delegation program, Business Sweden Deputy CEO Johan Snellman and Business Sweden Director for Mining and New Materials Mikael Johansson presented Sweden’s long history in mining. They also discussed the initiatives of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the International Council of Swedish Industry (NIR), and the Swedish Export Credit Agency (EKN) across markets focusing on responsible and sustainable mining.

Swedish mining and mineral processing company Boliden provided an overview of its operations and sustainable ways of working. Volvo CE also presented its experience in responsible and sustainable mining and its collaboration with mining companies.

Secretary Loyzaga connected with leaders of the Swedish private sector during the visit. She met with Marcus Wallenberg, chairman of the Wallenberg Sphere, upon his invitation. They discussed the business climate and the priority areas in sustainable, responsible extraction of resources, considering the Philippines’ diverse ecosystems.

Secretary Loyzaga also paid a visit to Acting Managing Director of Stora Enso Skog AB Henrik Lenning and Sustainability Director at Stora Enso AB Marie Saxe. Their conversations revolved around tools and processes used in forest management, key considerations in harvesting from forests and plantations, optimization of harvested trees, and the commitment of Stora Enso to ensure a net-positive impact on biodiversity in its forests and plantations. Stora Enso AB is one of the largest private forest owners in the world and a leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials, and wooden construction.

Luleå University of Technology (LTU) also welcomed the Philippine delegation. They discussed the potential for increased resource efficiency, for example, the reuse of tailings (the leftover materials in the extraction of precious minerals) and increased safety practices in tropical and disaster-prone areas. LTU underscored its ongoing collaboration with the University of the Philippines and Caraga State University, focusing on research and supporting study programs at the master’s level.

"We look forward to fostering future collaborations for a more sustainable mining industry,” said Thomas Aiglsperger, director of the Center for Advanced Mining and Metallurgy.

The Philippine delegation visited Epiroc headquarters in Sickla, near Stockholm, where their underground mine serves as a test bed. They also toured the Falun Copper Mine in Dalarna, eastern Sweden, a UNESCO heritage site once responsible for 70% of the western world's copper production in the 17th century, now a museum. The delegation was hosted by Dalarna Governor Helena Höij, Anna Björkman, and Maud Hallmans from Invest in Dalarna.

Additionally, the delegation visited the Viscaria mine, a copper-iron ore project in the Kiruna mining district, and met with its CEO, Jörgen Olsson. The program concluded with a visit to LKAB's Kiruna mine, the world's largest and most modern underground iron ore mine.

Secretary Loyzaga emphasized the drive of the current administration toward the establishment of a positive environment for responsible mining. The common priorities are linked to climate action, including the transition to a low-carbon economy, sustainable forestry, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.

“This mission is particularly significant as Sweden is a global leader in sustainable minerals development. This is also crucial given the global geopolitical shifts and the growing impacts of climate change,” remarked Secretary Loyzaga.

Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines Anna Ferry underscored that this is a key initiative to support the Philippines in its green transition and Sweden’s continuous commitment to strengthening, deepening, and furthering collaboration with the Philippines.