The Nordic mining cluster, EU, China and the Global South Magnus Ericsson1, Olof Löf2, Anton Löf2 1 Mineral Economics, Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, Sweden Presenting author: magnus.ericsson@ltu.se, magnus@gladtjarnen.se 2RMG Consulting, Stockholm, Sweden Abstract It is common knowledge that the EU has to import a large share of its demand for metals. What is less well known is that China also suffers from a similar imbalance. This competitive situation opens up opportunities for the mineral rich countries of the Global South, particularly when metals demand is expected to grow rapidly, driven by the energy transition in addition to global population growth and increased standards of living. The Nordic Mining Cluster, includes companies and organisations mainly in Finland and Sweden but also Norway and Denmark. The cluster has three legs: Highly productive mines with low environmental impact; world class mining technology and equipment suppliers; and a network of universities and research institutions. The Nordic mining cluster could become an important factor in negotiations with mineral-rich countries in the Global South to secure minerals and metals for Europe and facilitate mineral based development in the host countries. The Nordic Cluster could offer not only the best available technology and operational practice but also the experiences over the centuries to combine mining with horizontal diversification. Provided that the mineral rich countries of the Global South can turn the new competitive situation to their own advantage and play off China against the EU, the US and other countries depending on mineral imports. Keywords EU, China, Global South, value addition, cluster, Nordic countries, diversification INTRODUCTION The Nordic mining cluster is established worldwide in the mining industry as a centre for state-of-the-art mining companies and technology providers. The strength of this cluster is, however, less well-known among politicians, whether in the Nordic capitals or in the European parliament in Brussels. The cluster could play a more prominent role in EU’s attempts to reduce its dependence on mineral and metal imports: in negotiations of mineral supply agreements with mineral rich countries in the Global South or in meeting Chinese competition. The technologies, equipment, experiences and operating practices of the Nordic mining cluster 171
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