Swedish Mining Innovation presents 13 new research and innovation projects for increased sustainability and competitiveness in the Swedish mining and metal-producing industry. The projects, which start in March 2023, have won funding via the strategic innovation program’s annual call and are funded by Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency and Formas.
With this year’s call, Swedish Mining Innovation has strengthened areas such as increased circularity and recycling of metals, as well as restoration of mining environments. 75% of the funding goes to projects led by women, which is unusually high for this type of call and continues to promote gender equality and inclusion in industrial innovation.
-We are happy and proud of the new projects and to further broaden the effects of Swedish Mining Innovation, from waste to new products, recycling and the environment as well as higher funding than usual for female project managers. It is the result of a great commitment from the actors and a long-term work on inclusive innovation within our program”, says Lawrence Hooey, technology and innovation manager, Swedish Mining Innovation.
The largest project is aimed at restoration of waste rock sites to create landscapes that reflect the local nature, “geomorphic rehabilitation” which will bring long term benefits to the environment and communities. “, Hooey continues.
Program Director Charlotte Andersson returned to Swedish Mining Innovation at the turn of the year after a few years of hiatus and believes that the pace and need for innovation is increasing noticeably in the face of Europe’s major societal challenges.
” The call is an important tool for driving and innovation at system level in areas that are critical for Swedish and European competitiveness. For almost ten years, we have been able to see real change that has taken place thanks to projects that we have funded, and we look forward to following the societal benefits that these 13 new projects create”, she concludes.
The call “Securing sustainable metal and mineral supply”, was open between May and November 2022. The projects will start in March 2023.
>Read more on Vinnova’s website
