Now it will be easier to apply for raw material extraction

The public data collaboration Danmarks Miljøportal, the North Denmark Region and the Central Denmark Region have jointly developed the template that helps applicants form an overview of relevant environmental considerations and potential environmental conflicts before submitting the application.

According to Danish Regions, the regions receive around 100 applications for raw material extraction per year, and the case processes often drag on because the applications lack the necessary information.

"It happens relatively often that we receive applications where no decision has been made on, for example, protected nature, protection lines or watercourses, etc. Then we have to send them back, and it costs both time and resources for all parties," says Jacob Frydkjær Winde, biologist and raw materials case officer in the North Denmark Region.

"It's not just about making our job easier. It is also about giving applicants a realistic picture of the project's possible complexity. If the project still cannot be approved, it is better to find out early and adapt the project before it is submitted to us. In addition, it can also serve as a checklist for the initial conversations between raw material extractors and landowners," he says.

The template has been created in close collaboration between expert groups for environmental assessments in the North Denmark Region, the Central Denmark Region and Danmarks Miljøportal, and is financed by the government's entrepreneurship pool.

"The purpose is to ensure a more transparent and uniform process, so that both authorities and applicants get a tool that provides a common starting point and overview," says Karl Rasmus Sveding, project manager at Danmarks Miljøportal.

The template is now in operation and available via the Danmarks Miljøportal's EA-Tools platform, and has been developed based on their strategy to create solutions that make it easier to make informed decisions in society. The next step is to spread it to other regions and potentially develop versions targeted at applicants and advisors. 

How to find the template

Find the template on eatools.miljoeportal.dk, select "Land screening", define your search area and then select the data basis from "Choose template", where the North Denmark Region's template can be found under the name "Raw material extraction on land".

For further information

Press Coordinator: Mark Kjær, mark@kempkjaer.dk, +45 4142 3635

North Denmark Region: Jacob Frydkjær Winde, Mineral Resources Officer, j.winde@rn.dk

Danmarks Miljøportal: Karl Rasmus Sveding, Project Manager, karas@miljoeportal.dk