The Swedish parliament voted on Tuesday to lift the ban on uranium mining, effective from January 1, 2026. The decision was made despite concerns from municipalities about environmental and water damage. The opposition was critical, while the government views it as necessary for nuclear power.
On Tuesday, November 5, 2025, the Swedish parliament voted yes to allow uranium mining in Sweden again, a ban introduced in 2018 by the then S-MP government. The proposal was supported by the government parties and the Sweden Democrats, while the opposition voted no. The yes side won by one vote in the main vote.
The changes mean that uranium is classified as a socially vital metal, opening up for extraction and more extensive prospecting. Activities handling small amounts of uranium, such as secondary raw materials, are no longer subject to permit requirements or the municipal veto. The municipal veto thus disappears partially, and municipalities can no longer unilaterally stop such operations.
The government is working further to completely remove the municipality's veto by reclassifying uranium mining from 'nuclear facility' to 'nuclear activity'. The proposal is out for consultation and could take effect on July 1, 2026.
In municipalities like Östersund, Falköping, and Vilhelmina, warnings are issued about risks to the environment, agricultural landscapes, animal husbandry, and drinking water, particularly around Lake Storsjön in Jämtland. Local politicians and residents have protested, including at a demonstration in Stockholm on October 18. 'If the veto is removed, we are defenseless', said Niklas Daoson, municipal councilor in Östersund (S). John Chapman from Östersund emphasized: 'We are fighting for clean drinking water and arable soil. They are prerequisites for human life.'
Jesper Skalberg Karlsson (M) acknowledged the concern: 'I understand that many people feel worried about mining, that concern should be taken seriously', but added that he does not envision large-scale extraction everywhere. Amanda Lind (MP) called it 'a huge betrayal of all those living near Sweden's uranium deposits'. Isak From (S) demanded local acceptance and opened for smaller scale: 'We see that we need to allow secondary uranium extraction.' Garret Ainsworth, CEO of District Metals, welcomed the decision: 'A step in the right direction', but noted that the veto issue remains a source of uncertainty for investments.
