The spotlight will be on automation, innovation, electrification, and cross-border collaboration at the Swedish-focused session at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) next week.
Titled Sweden and Australia: Charting the Future of Sustainable Mining, the session will gather a distinguished panel of experts representing Swedish industry giants such as ABB, Epiroc, Hexagon, and Sandvik. The dialogue will be moderated by Peter Ker of the Australian Financial Review.
Mr. Johan Forssell, Sweden's Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, commented on Sweden’s dedication to further develop relations between Sweden and Australia:
"The dedication to sustainable mining and the green transformation are defining priorities of the Swedish and Australian mining industries. Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess Victoria, His Royal Highness Prince Daniel and I got a chance to experience these shared priorities when we participated in the Sweden-Australia Sustainable Mining Summit in Sydney earlier this year. Clearly, we as nations as well as our companies stand to gain a lot from jointly pursuing these goals. We can draw on each other's strengths and competencies for the benefit of all. I am convinced this year’s IMARC will contribute to further broadening the avenues of collaboration between Sweden and Australia."
According to data from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the bilateral trade value between Australia and Sweden exceeds $3.4 billion. Furthermore, over 150 Swedish companies are operating in Australia.
The Swedish session at IMARC will delve into pressing issues such as the emerging frontiers in sustainable mining, the importance of cultural compatibility for effective collaboration, and the global influence of Swedish mining technology.
Jan Larsson, CEO of Business Sweden, who will participate in the session virtually, commented on Sweden's global standing in mining and how it can shape sustainability practices worldwide:
"Swedish mining companies are global pacesetters, well-equipped with technological innovation and a focus on sustainability. Participation in IMARC offers a platform to highlight the competencies of Swedish firms in a context that is ripe for developing new partnerships."
Australia is home to some of the world's largest reserves of future-centric minerals like gold, copper, lithium, cobalt, iron ore, zinc, and rare earth metals. Given the accelerating global demand for these minerals in industries and renewable energy technologies, Sweden's expertise in sustainable mining practices is driving a global green energy future.
Furthermore, Australia's expertise in critical minerals mining can contribute to Sweden's domestic mining expansion, especially with the recent discovery of Europe's largest deposit of rare earth minerals in Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost town.
Source: https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/