A Philippine delegation, led by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, recently went to Sweden to observe the Scandinavian country’s sustainable mining practices. The goal of the high-level mining delegation to Sweden was to learn that country’s leadership in that field.

Loyzaga, along with Luis Sarmiento, president of the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association, Engr. Adrian Caamiño of the Mindanao State University, and representatives from Swedish companies Epiroc and Volvo Construction Equipment, visited several Swedish mining sites, including the Kiruna mine, where an entire town is being relocated to allow for expanded operations, and the UNESCO-listed Falun Copper Mine from 31 March to 4 April, Sweden’s Embassy in Manila said in a press release.

The Filipino delegation also visited Stora Enso, one of the world’s largest private forest owners, to discuss sustainable forestry practices and biodiversity.

At Luleå University of Technology (LTU), researchers shared insights on reusing mine tailings and adapting mining practices for disaster-prone areas like the Philippines. LTU collaborates with the University of the Philippines and Caraga State University on mining and environmental research.

“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 at LTU, according to the Sweden Embassy.

Sweden, which provides 90 percent of Europe’s iron ore, is a global mining leader, ranking high on the 2024 Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index.

As the Philippines seeks sustainable solutions, it is looking to Sweden’s model of responsible mining as a pathway for transforming its own mineral extraction industry.

“This mission is significant as Sweden is a global leader in sustainable minerals development, especially amid global geopolitical shifts and the growing impacts of climate change,” Loyzaga said.

The secretary met with Swedish Minister for Climate and the Environment Romina Pourmokhtari in Stockholm on 31 March. The meeting revolved around areas of mutual interest including experiences in contributing to Global Climate Action and in partnership with the private sector.

Both sides exchanged views on possible areas of cooperation, including in the fields of green transition, sustainable mining, disaster risk management and water quality and supply management, ocean and coastal protection, forestry and infrastructure projects arising from the Philippine National Adaptation Plan 2023 to 2050, according to a Facebook post of the DENR.

Loyzaga thanked Sweden’s pledge to contribute to the Loss and Damage Fund and gave assurance that the Philippines, as the host of the fund’s board, will ensure that it is used in accordance with the objectives set forth during the 27th Conference of Parties in 2022.

For Swedish Ambassador Anna Ferry, she said the visit “is a key initiative to support the Philippines in its green transition and deepen our collaboration.”