Speakers – day 2

Speakers for day 2 of the conference – January 30.

For speakers on day 1 of the conference – click here »

Lisa Ek

Partner and Managing Director of Nordic Strategy Partners | Board Director Lunova AB, Nordic Quick Systems, Ditwin AB, Noah – Lokal Mat, Luleå Näringsliv

Lisa Ek isa an experienced management consultant with a demonstrated history of working with growth, investments and innovation. Strong business development professional with a Master of Science focused in Industrial Engineering and Management from Tekniska högskolan vid Linköpings universitet.

The European Critical Raw Materials Act – for a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials

The Critical Raw Materials Act sets out a series of comprehensive actions to ensure the EU’s access to a secure, diversified, affordable and sustainable supply of critical raw materials. This is essential for the competitiveness of Europe, including for green and digital industries as well as defence and aerospace.

Madalina Ivanica

Deputy Head of Unit in the European Commission – Unit on Energy Intensive Industries, Raw Materials and Hydrogen of the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

Madalina Ivanica is Deputy Head of Unit in the European Commission – Unit on Energy Intensive Industries, Raw Materials and Hydrogen of the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs since January 2022. She previously worked in the Directorate-General for Environment in the area of enlargement and accession negotiations and EU inter-institutional relations. Ms. Ivanica served also as Advisor to the Romanian Chief Negotiator for accession to the European Union and was Director of Studies and an Associate Professor in European Studies at the Maastricht University. Ms. Ivanica received a Ph.D. in economics and holds a B.Sc. (Honours) in Psychology.

CRMA and society’s need for critical and strategic raw materials

With the Critical Raw Materials Act, the EU aims to meet the need for secure supply of critical and strategic raw materials in order to safeguard the green transition, the competitiveness and the defensive abilities of the union.
The EU is in urgent need to strengthen its resilience concerning critical and strategic raw materials. Without a secure supply there is a huge risk that the energy transition and hence necessary climate mitigations, the digitalization as well as the defensive abilities will be endangered. The EU Critical Raw Materials Act that was negotiated by the Swedish and Spanish presidencies in 2023, covers a number of actions to ensure and improve secure and sustainable supply. Measures included encompass benchmarks for mining, processing, recycling and diversification, improved permitting processes, development of geological information in order to stimulate exploration, stock piling, company risk awareness, monitoring and more.

Erika Ingvald

Head of Division, Mineral information and Mining Industry, SGU

Erika Ingvald is Head of Division, Mineral Information and Mining Industry, Geological Survey of Sweden, and part of the Swedish team that negotiated the CRMA to a Council mandate during Sweden’s presidency, and the following negotiations through a political agreement in the following trilogues.

Infrastructure measures supporting the green transition in northern Sweden

Northern Sweden is facing a new industrial revolution crucial for advancing the green transition in society and contributing to a fossil-free future. Many of these investments are essential for Sweden and Europe to achieve climate goals. Infrastructure investments are necessary to accommodate the ongoing developments in the region. The Swedish Transport Administration was commissioned by the government to analyze measures in the infrastructure in the counties of Norrbotten and Västerbotten, linked to the major corporate establishments and expansions occurring in these regions. In this session, Deputy Director-General Francisca Ramsberg presents the Swedish Transport Administration’s submitted proposals to the government.

Francisca Ramsberg

Deputy Director-General, the Swedish Transport Administration

Mrs Ramsberg was appointed by the government as the Deputy Director-General of the Swedish Transport Administration in 2022. She has an extensive experience and has previously served as the Deputy Director-General of the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, as well as Deputy Budget Director at the Ministry of Finance.

The Iron Ore Line – a prerequisite for the green transition in the North

Linda Bjurholt

General Manager LKAB Logistics and CEO LKAB Malmtrafik AB

Rare metals and great power rivalry

Confrontation between revanchist authoritarian powers and the West have made geopolitical considerations essential. With a tech arms race underway there is a risk of competition for strategic resources, such as rare metals. This has consequences for small and medium sized countries as well as international businesses.

Niklas H. Rossbach

Deputy research director at the Swedish defence research agency (FOI)

Niklas H. Rossbach, PhD. is a Deputy research director at the Swedish defence research agency (FOI) where he works on strategic resources, energy security and foresight in relation to international security.

The role of infrastructure in decarbonizing the steel industry

H2GS has the mission to decarbonise hard-to-abate industries and is building its first steel plant in Boden in Northern Sweden. In Boden, H2GS will produce 5 million tonnes of steel by 2030 with a 95% lower CO2 footprint compared to traditional steelmaking. Infrastructure is at the core of the business, and one of the important reasons for choosing Boden as home.

Luisa Orre

Chief Procurement Officer of H2 Green Steel

Covering electricity, raw materials, logistics and project procurement, as well as infrastructure related to power, rail and port. Luisa was previously the CFO of a consumer technology start up and as well as a management consultant at McKinsey & Co. working globally with corporate and growth strategy across several industries. Luisa holds a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration from the Stockholm School of Economics.

The Northern Platform

The transport system is critical in reaching climate goals, political ambitions, meeting future needs for travel and transport and managing major changes in the world. It is important that stakeholders cooperate, coordinate and that the entire chain of stakeholders reflects on how to create new opportunities and conditions for businesses to grow and citizens to travel smart and sustainable. The corridors are important platforms and networks for such cooperation nationally, cross-border and multimodal. The TEN-T regulation will support future need for transport in the northern part of Europe as well as financing opportunities.

Linda Thulin

President, ScanMed

Linda Thulin is the President of the European Rail Freight Corridor ScanMed and responsible for International development and relations on railways at Trafikverket and also the vice President of RailNet Europe. She has approximately 20 years of experience in the railway sector and has been responsible for roles such as national traffic management, business development, maintenance, strategy, traffic information, customers and associations relations.

Sustainable raw materials value chains in the EU CRM Act

At LKAB we are working on new, innovative and circular ways to extract and produce critical minerals from today’s mine waste. LKAB plans to extract phosphorus for mineral fertiliser and rare earth elements, which are critical for sustainable agriculture and the green transition. This will further connect our mines in Sweden to industries across Europe and make an important contribution to Swedish and European security and resilience.

David Högnelid

Chief Strategy Officer, Business Area Special Products at LKAB

David Högnelid is a communications, sustainability, and business development executive that thrives in the cross section of disciplines to develop new opportunities. He believes the mining and minerals industry presents unrivalled opportunities to deliver value for society, environment, communities, and shareholders alike. A key focus of his is to support the realisation of LKAB’s ReeMAP-project for production of phosphorus and REE from mine tailings.

Scaling Up Rare Earth Element Pre-Concentration: Pilot Plant Success at IVL

Johan Strandberg will provide a comprehensive look at the establishment and operation of a pilot plant for the pre-concentration of rare earth elements (REEs) using liquid membrane technology. With a focus on the practical execution of this project, the presentation will explore the innovative use of hollow fiber supported liquid membrane (HFSLM) technology, which has been tested for REE concentrations in a range that demonstrates the plant’s robust capability. This session will showcase the operational do’s and don’ts, the HFSLM’s unique features, and the plant’s potential to influence global practices in REE extraction outside the dominant realm of Chinese expertise.

Johan Strandberg

Senior Researcher

Johan Strandberg is a leading figure in the field of environmental science, with a pioneering role in the development of technologies for the extraction and separation of rare earth elements (REE). Spearheading the Mistra Terra Clean program, Johan has been instrumental in advancing smart filter technologies, and facilitating industry-research collaboration. With a keen focus on sustainability and industry application, Johan has a history of driving innovation within the environmental sector. As a project leader, Johan has directed significant initiatives aimed at integrating digital solutions into resource management, notably in waterworks and climate resilience projects. In the international arena, Johan has contributed to setting guidelines on water sanitation and management through leading roles with the World Health Organization (WHO). These contributions have been part of a broader commitment to sustainable practices in environmental science.

Raw materials for battery production – research on primary and secondary sources

Substantial increase in the use of batteries e. g. in transport sector, for renewable energy storage as well as in tools and electronic equipment’s result in increased need for raw materials. Maximized recycling is crucial but the increased needs and the life-length of installed battery capacity will require extraction from virgin sources as well.

To secure new mineral resources as well as metal values in spent batteries, research is conducted along the value chain from mineral exploration to mineral processing and metallurgical extraction within several different research projects and within CAMM (Centre of advanced Mining and Metallurgy). To visualize this, an overview of conducted research, and some detailed examples on specific research projects are presented and discussed.

Lena Sundqvist-Öqvist

Associate Professor, LTU

I am since 2018 associate professor in process metallurgy, conducting research in pyro and hydro metallurgy that is focusing on the green transition in steelmaking as well as extraction of critical and strategical metals from secondary and primary raw materials. I worked 17 years for the steel industry and was an industrial PhD student achieving the degree at Luleå University of Technology in 2004, since 2007 I have a position at Swerim in Luleå.

Building a sustainable European battery materials supply chain

For Europe to establish a sustainable battery industry, the entire supply chain needs to be carefully considered – from extraction of raw materials to manufacturing of battery materials. In this session, we will outline how Talga’s vertically integrated and localised model of natural graphite anode production serves as a transparent, sustainable and economically viable strategy for the industry.

Martin Phillips

CEO Europe, Talga Group

Mr Phillips is an experienced project manager, commercial manager and company director with over 25 years of global metals and mining sector experience. As Talga’s European CEO, Mr Phillips oversees the establishment of the company’s vertically integrated, low-emission battery and advanced material production. This encompasses mine and production plant development in northern Sweden, pilot processing operations in Germany and product R&D in Cambridge, UK.

Like-Minded Partners: Saskatchewan’s Value Proposition in the Shared Quest for Supply Chain Resilience and A Net-Zero Future

In October 2023, Canada and Sweden announced a joint statement committing to work together on critical raw materials, battery value chains and emerging technologies, and providing new market opportunities for businesses in both jurisdictions. As the #1 ranked jurisdiction in Canada for mining investment attractiveness (Fraser Institute), the Province of Saskatchewan presents compelling opportunities to investors and other partners in the extractive industries. In this session, Saskatchewan’s Agent-General discusses the province’s strengths as an ideal partner — its rich mineral endowment, strong public geoscience and mineral resource information, supportive business environment, RD&D capabilities, and critical minerals strategy.

Ranissah Samah

Agent-General, Saskatchewan Trade and Investment Office in the U.K.

Ranissah Samah joined the Government of Saskatchewan in 2021 as the Province’s Agent-General in the UK, with a mandate to attract investment, grow exports, and strengthen relations with partners in the UK and broader European region.
Ranissah brings over two decades of international relations experience in the public sector. She has held senior roles advancing government-to-government relations through the provision of complex policy advice, stakeholder communications and engagement, issues management, and the delivery of international trade, investment and advocacy missions.
Ranissah holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University, and B.Sc. from the University of Toronto.

Mahvie Minerals poised for rapid development

Since the Company began in 2022, Mahvie Minerals have made headway in developing the two main assets of the Company, the base metal project in Mo I Rana in Norway and the gold project Haveri in Finland. Lately, substantial modelling has been carried out as well as some initial drilling in order to verify the models. So far, everything seem to be in-line with expectations. In Finland, the Company received a prolongations of the exploration permit at Haveri and has started exploration and mine development efforts in earnest. In Haveri, the focus is on the higher grade portions of the deposit thus increasing profitability while slightly decreasing the possible mined area.

Per Storm

CEO of Mahvie Minerals AB (publ.)

Per Storm is the CEO of Mahvie Minerals AB (publ.). He has previously been CEO of Copperstone Resources, EIT RawMaterials North AB (an European raw materials funding agency), Raw Materials Group RMG AB and has been involved as a board member and chairman of the board in several junior mining companies. He holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering and is a Docent in the Innovation processes of the Mining and Steel Industry, both from KTH. Per Storm is a fellow of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences as well as several professional organizations.

Eurobattery Minerals – Responsibly mined battery minerals from Europe, for Europe

Eurobattery Minerals is a Swedish mining company that explores and develops several nickel-cobalt-copper projects in Finland and Spain to supply battery minerals critical to the steadily growing markets of electric vehicles and clean energy. The company wants to support the electrification and thereby reduce fossil fuel consumption. Our vision is to make Europe self-sufficient in responsibly mined battery minerals and, in this way, drive the green transition and power a cleaner world.

Roberto García Martínez

CEO and Board Member, Eurobattery Mineral

Roberto has more than 25 years’ experience in the mining industry at the international level. During his career, he has worked on both the theoretical and practical sides of the exploration and mining industry. He has been President and CEO of major mining groups in Africa (2006–2018). Roberto has worked with company strategies, marketing, mining M&A and exploration management. Roberto is a Doctor of Law and has a bachelor’s degree in economics and industrial psychology.

Mineral demand 2050, a story of economic development in the global South

Iron, Copper, & Nickel demand in 2050 is driven by economic development in lower income economies of the global south. A new World Bank study discusses the development of demand of the three most important metals in terms of building societies and creating economic wealth. Through an analysis linking historical demand to societal building a scenario of future demand has been established.

Anton Löf

Co-founder of RMG-Consulting (RMG), Stockholm, Sweden

Anton has since the early 2000 worked as a consultant in the mining industry. He is co-founder of RMG-Consulting (RMG), Stockholm Sweden, established in 2016 which builds on the work of Raw Materials Group.

Anton has worked with various divisions of international organisations such as UNCTAD, World Steel Association, the World Bank, United Nations University and International Seabed Authority. Furthermore, he has worked with government institutions in the Nordic region and Africa as well as mining and exploration companies, equipment suppliers and financial institutions.

A regular speaker at both China Mining, China Int’l Steel & Raw Materials as well as Fast Markets iron ore events. He regular publishes articles on the mining industry for various trade magazines as well as the academic press.

Critical strategic value chains exemplified by batteries

As a key enabler for the energy transition through electrification battery technology has risen to become one of the most strategically important value chains in modern society. There are many lessons to be learned from the development so far as well as important take aways for the journey ahead.

Greger Ledung

PhD, Battery Research Expert, Swedish Energy Agency

Has for the last 15 years worked through the Swedish Energy Agency on strategy, investigations, programmes and project funding in battery related R&D with the aim of strengthening the valuechain. Successful examples include Northvolt and Altris.

Børge Edvardsen Klingan

CEO, Port of Narvik

Works as CEO at Narvik Havn KF. Børge has a master’s degree in engineering from NTH/NTNU in Trondheim and a degree in business administration from BI in Oslo. He has extensive experience in management and business development related to the green shift, including renewable energy and logistics.

EU and NATO requirements on resilience and NATO operational planning – Potential consequences for critical infrastructure

EU and NATO require member states to be resilient against natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and different forms of warfare. These requirements have implications for supply chains and critical infrastructure as they involve a shift of paradigm, from efficiency thinking to resiliency thinking. In addition, the expansion of NATO will change operational planning on the northern flank. The exact nature of these plans remains unknown, but they will require that the traditional focus on north to south in the Nordic countries is complemented with a new focus on west to east. This means that supply chains and critical infrastructure must be able to support reception, staging and onwards movement of military units, as well as the continuous sustainment of forces.

Dr Thomas Ekström

Senior lecturer in War Studies at the Swedish Defence University

Dr Thomas Ekström has worked with defence capability development the past three decades, primarily in the area of military logistics. After 25 years at the Swedish Defence Research Agency, he is currently a senior lecturer in War Studies at the Swedish Defence University. His research is focused on robustness and resilience in defence supply chains, including their dependency on commercial supply chains and functioning critical infrastructure.

Alternatives of financing rail infrastructure

The expansion of the railway infrastructure in Sweden is traditionally carried out and financed by the state (the Swedish Transport Administration). However, the needs are great, not least because of the large industrial establishments in northern Sweden, maintenance backlog of the existing rail network and the deteriorating security situation. At the same time, resources are limited. There is a growing recognition of trying alternative delivery models and financing solutions as alternatives to the traditional models.

Per Olof Lingwall

Chairman, NJS Forum for Nordic Railway Co-operation

Per Olof Lingwall has over 30 years of experience from public administration (Ministry of Finance Swedish Rail Administration and Swedish Transport Administration) in the field of transport and finance. During 2013-2021 Per Olof Lingwall served National Coordinator for CEF Transport, the European funding scheme for transport infrastructure. Since 2021 Per Olof Lingwall works as senior business advisor (consultant). Mr Lingwall is chairman of NJS, Forum for Nordic Railway Co-operation, since 2014. The organisation annually arranges about 40 seminars, conferences, and study visits.

The North Bothnia Line – necessary for the green transition

The North Bothnia Line (Norrbotniabanan) comprises 270 km of railway in northern Sweden between the cities Umeå and Luleå. The railway is crucial for the supply of expertise and the new freight flows in the green transition taking place in northern Sweden. But what is the current status of the construction of the railway and how can it be intensified?

Gusten Granström & Elisabeth Sinclair

CEO Norrbotniabanan AB and Project leader Norrbotniabanegruppen

Gusten Granström, former board member in companies and institutions at national and regional level, has been CEO of The North Bothnia line Ltd (Norrbotniabanan AB) since 2008. The company represents and coordinates municipalities and regions in financial, formal and overall matters with the government, the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) and the EU.

Elisabeth Sinclair, former communications manager for the Swedish National Rail Administration authority (Banverket) during the planning of the railway section called the Bothnia Railway (Botniabanan), has been project leader for The North Bothnian Group (Norrbotniabanegruppen) since 2010. The group is an interest organization that works with information and opinion formation with the aim of anchoring and intensifying the work with the realization of the North Bothnia Line railway with decisionmakers and actors.