The History of SMA Mineral

The mining industry around Persberg in Värmland has a history dating back several hundred years. As early as the 1600s, iron ore was discovered in the area northeast of Filipstad, and mining in various forms has since been an important part of the regional economy.

Centuries of Limestone Mining

In the 19th century, limestone deposits were discovered around Persberg. The limestone was of high quality and quickly became a sought-after raw material. It was used not only as building material but also for producing lime, which was used in processes such as iron production and other chemical processes.

The steel manufacturer Uddeholm became an important player in the Värmland limestone industry early on. To produce high-quality steel, the company needed large quantities of lime to neutralize impurities such as sulfur and phosphorus during steel production. Limestone mining was therefore initiated by Uddeholm in the mid-1800s.

The Foundation of Juvél’s Transport Company

The foundation for the business we see today was laid with the establishment of Juvéls Åkeri in 1932. Through initiative and active entrepreneurship, Einar Juvél built a transport company that, through gravel and timber transports for nearby construction and industrial customers, quickly grew into one of the largest in Värmland.

In the 1960s, Einar's son Ulf Juvél started working as a driver at the transport company. After purchasing his first bulk truck in 1967, lime transports to, among others, Uddeholm followed. To increase profitability and create added value, additional services complementing the transport business were also developed.

Lime Extraction in-house

In 1980, Ulf Juvél AB acquired the Gåsgruvan limeworks from Uddeholm. During the initial years, large investments were made, and the company grew rapidly. Through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, the business gradually developed into one of Northern Europe's leading lime producers, with an annual turnover that today (2024) exceeds SEK 1.5 billion.

Watch the film about our history

In the spring of 2025, a film was produced in which SMA Mineral’s owners and founders, Ulf and Daniel Juvél, tell The Story of SMA Mineral.

The narrative spans from medieval discoveries of mineral deposits in the forests of northern Värmland to the company’s present position as one of Europe’s leading lime suppliers.

Milestones of Success

During its over 90-year history, SMA Mineral has passed several milestones that have contributed to the company's success.

SMA Mineral AB
Box 329
682 27 Filipstad
SWEDEN

+46 590 - 164 00
sma@smamineral.com