Summary of consultation documentation, SOM AB
SOM AB intends to extract minerals (manganese nodules) on the Baltic seabed on the continental shelf. The operation intends to apply for a permit for the recovery of manganese nodules on the continental shelf and is thereby covered by the Continental Shelf Act. The operation may in the same application seek an exemption from the general dumping prohibition for the return of seabed sediment, which is regulated in the Environmental Code.
Supply of minerals in Sweden
Demand for minerals is high and the Bothnian Bay has large unexploited resources that will be able to play an ever greater role in the supply of minerals in Sweden. The operation is in line with what is set out in the bill on Swedish marine resource activity (prop. 1983/84:10). Through surveying, SOM AB has mapped a sea area in the Bothnian Bay located 12 nautical miles, corresponding to 22 km, east of Bjuroklubb, which is judged to have particularly good mineral resources. Nodule recovery is planned with a gentle suction technology connected to a production platform where the nodules are collected. The nodules are taken up while the remaining sediment and small nodules are returned close to the seabed.
The bottom depth in the area is about 60 to 150 metres. Initial surveys indicate that the seabed fauna expected to be present in the operating area is species-poor. There are no known protected values nearby, and given the long distance to the coast from the operating area, disturbance from the operation is not judged to affect protected values, which are considered to be found mainly close to the coast.
Between the port area and the operating area, existing shipping lanes will be used. The intended ports are Lulea, Pitea and Skelleftea, as these have sufficient depth for the vessels. Other ports may also become relevant. Which receiving port is used depends on which company buys the manganese nodules.
SOM AB will take precautionary measures to reduce the consequences of the operation. The operation will, however, give rise to environmental effects such as turbidity and underwater noise within the operating area and the area of influence where nodule recovery is carried out.
This document constitutes the basis for a scoping consultation ahead of carrying out an environmental assessment and preparing an environmental impact assessment (EIA) under Chapter 6, Section 28 of the Environmental Code. The operation may be presumed to entail significant environmental impact. The consultation documentation is intended to describe the operation and its environmental impact in general terms and states what will be described in more detail in the environmental impact assessment. Consultation is planned to be held with the authorities, organisations and other bodies concerned. The operation will finally be examined by the government.
