Mining in Sweden
The mining industry in Sweden has a history dating back 6,000 years. Historically, Sweden's most famous mine is the copper Falun Mine in Dalarna, which made a significant contribution to the Swedish economy for several centuries. Sweden today is one of the largest sources of iron ore in Europe, with approximately 90% of Europe's iron and 5% of the world's iron reserves. Geology Most of Sweden's landmass is geologically part of the Baltic Shield, which also covers Fennoscandia and northwest parts of Russia. The Baltic Shield has the oldest rock in Europe, and is one of the largest and most active mining areas on the European continent. Most Swedish mines are in the Baltic Shield. The shield, because of its resemblance to the Canadian Shield and cratons in South Africa, is also a source of gold and diamonds. Copper Sweden has a long history of mining, dating back thousands of years. Sweden's earliest mining company was Stora Kopparberg, which operated on the copper Falun Mine, the most famous mine in Sweden. It was the source of the pigment falu red that painted castles, churches and cottages still seen throughout Sweden. Income from the Falun mine funded almost all of Sweden's wars throughout its history. In the Bronze Age, most copper used in Europe originated in places such as Sicily and Iberia and the Levant. For example, a 3,600 year old copper axe was created in Sweden using copper from Cyprus. Europe's economy at the time relied heavily on copper, the major component of bronze. Sweden's Falun copper mine opened about 1300. It was the largest copper mine in Sweden, and produced two-thirds of Europe's copper needs. The largest industrial work place in Sweden, at its peak in 1650 the mine produced as much as three kilotons of raw copper in that one year. Iron History During the High Middle Ages, Sweden's iron industry followed the "eastern branch" iron production, using bowl furnace methods rather than the open hearth "bloomery" model favored in England. One of the most important Swedish iron products was osmund (also called osmond iron), small pieces made from pig iron, weighing no more than 300 grams, suited to the needs of village smithies. Later, production shifted to bar iron. It was also clear the Swedish iron-smelters were connected to major iron markets outside Sweden, where they also influenced osmund production sold by merchants from the Hanseatic League. Many German miners and merchants (including some from Lübeck) came into Sweden to join Sweden's mining industry. Because of their influence, iron exports from Sweden went primarily to Lübeck and Danzig in modern-day Poland. Iron, as the major component of steel, is of major importance to mining. Sweden's iron was important to both Nazi Germany and the Allies of World War II. 21st century The country holds 60% of Europe's identified iron ore deposits and is responsible for 90% of Europe's iron ore extraction, and 5% of the world's reserves in 2014. In 2012, Sweden was one of the most