As part of COP16, the seminar “Mining with Nature: Nordic Experience for Sustainable Mining Development” was held to explore responsible mining practices, emphasizing the importance of protecting biodiversity while securing essential resources for the global energy transition.
The seminar featured two discussion panels where international experts addressed the challenges and commitments necessary for mining that is in harmony with the environment.
In the first panel, titled "Social Demands on Mining and Biodiversity," Johan Wahlberg, Project Manager at Naturvårdsverket; Karin Lexén, Secretary General of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation; and Helena Soimakallio, Executive Director of Technology Industries of Finland (TIF), participated.
The conversation focused on how regulations and societal expectations drive the mining industry to adopt more responsible practices, such as environmental damage mitigation and circular production models.
The second panel, "Spheres of Influence: Upstream and Downstream Impacts," featured Owain Griffiths, Director of Circular Economy and Biodiversity at Volvo Cars; Oscar Alberto Combita, Corporate Project Manager at Aris Mining; and again, Helena Soimakallio.
Moderated by Katarina Walter, CEO of Ecogain, this panel highlighted the need for a sustainable value chain, from extraction to processing and material distribution, and acknowledged the biodiversity impacts in the manufacturing and transportation phases.
CLIMB Model: An Approach to Sustainable Mining
A central focus of the seminar was the CLIMB model (Conservation, Legislation, Innovation, Mitigation, and Benefit) presented by Anders Enetjärn, founder of Ecogain. This model proposes five key principles to address the specific challenges that mining poses to biodiversity and the environment, aiming to drive the transition to a more circular and sustainable economy.
According to Enetjärn, “a responsible mining industry must prioritize the circular economy, limiting material extraction and optimizing natural resource use.
The model outlines:
Conservation of natural resources, ensuring efficient and responsible use.
Legislation and compliance with environmental and social regulations to guarantee responsible mining practices.
Innovation in technologies and processes to reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency.
Mitigation of negative impacts on the environment and local communities.
Finally, Benefit sharing with communities, ensuring mining contributes to local social and economic development.
Nordic mining companies are making ambitious commitments. Sweden, with 13 active copper, iron, zinc, gold, and silver mines, has taken on the task of developing capabilities in collaboration with key stakeholders, focusing on biodiversity benefits.
Two priority commitments are set: improving sustainability reporting by 2030 by incorporating behavior changes and optimizing land use, and a second commitment by 2027 to establish a system for continuous progress assessment.
Additionally, Enetjärn highlighted Sweden’s leadership with its "Sector Roadmap for Mining," the first specific plan focused on sustainable mining, with mitigation principles advocating for:
Avoiding sensitive areas when selecting locations.
Minimizing impacts by adjusting schedules, creating buffer zones, and reducing transport footprints.
Restoring mined areas to create natural habitats.
Compensating for biodiversity loss through offset projects.
By sharing these experiences, the Nordic countries aim to collaborate with other nations, including Colombia, to promote environmentally respectful mining practices and strengthen global conservation efforts.
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