The Philippines is exploring Sweden’s expertise in sustainable minerals development.
Acknowledging the significance of mining in the economic, social, and environmental domains for both Sweden and the Philippines, Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), spearheaded a delegation to Sweden from March 31 to April 4, 2025.
The High-Level Mining Delegation to Sweden focused on knowledge-sharing and provided a first-hand exposure to Sweden’s advanced clean mining solutions.
Sweden is a leading mining nation at the forefront of sustainable and innovative mining technologies, with of approximately 90 percent of all iron ore production in Europe and ranked number 1 in the 2024 Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index. Swedish companies represent ~65 percent 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, 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 Ms. 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 the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s representative in the Climate Change Commission.
In the delegation program, Business Sweden’s Deputy CEO Johan Snellman and Business Sweden’s Director for Mining and New Materials Mikael Johansson presented Sweden’s long history in mining. They also discussed the initiatives of Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), 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 their operations and sustainable ways of working. Volvo CE also presented their experience in responsible and sustainable mining and their collaboration with the mining companies.
Secretary Loyzaga connected with leaders of the Swedish private sectors during the visit. She met with Mr. Marcus Wallenberg, Chairman of the Wallenberg Sphere, upon his invitation. They discussed the business climate and the priority areas in sustainable, responsible, and extraction of resources considering the Philippines’ diverse ecosystems.
Secretary Loyzaga also paid a visit to Mr. Henrik Lenning, Acting Managing Director of Stora Enso Skog AB and Ms. Marie Saxe, Sustainability Director at Stora Enso AB. Their conversations revolved on 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 net-positive impact on biodiversity in its forest 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.
President Mr. Luis Sarmiento of the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association, Engr. Adrian Caamiño from the Mindanao State University, and Swedish companies Epiroc and Volvo Construction Equipment also joined the delegation.
