What is Mining Inspectorate of Sweden?

The Mining Inspectorate of Sweden (Bergsstaten) is the agency responsible for the administration of mineral resources in Sweden, and comes under the Ministry of Industry, Employment and Communications. It reports to and receives administrative and other support from the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU). The director of the Inspectorate is the Chief Mining Inspector, who is appointed by the Government.

The functions of the Inspectorate are to issue permits under the Minerals Act (1991:45) for the exploration and exploitation of mineral deposits and to ensure compliance with the Act.

The Mining Inspectorate became a single authority on 1 July 1998, when an earlier subdivision into districts (mining inspectors' offices) was abolished by a parliamentary decision. The Inspectorate now has offices in Luleå (the Head Office) and Falun. Meetings with the Mining Inspector are usually held in Luleå, but appointments can also be made to see him in Falun.

The Mining Inspectorate was established as a state authority in 1637.

Mining inspectors' offices have existed in various places in Sweden. In addition to Luleå and Falun, these have included:

Söderköping (until 1929), Växjö (until 1881), Helsingborg (until 1974), Filipstad (until 1937), Nya Kopparberg (until 1878), Nora (until 1974), Sala (until 1887), Gävle (until 1874) and Härnösand/Sundsvall (until 1874).