In the forest country west of Pajala, the Sattajärvi concession community has its operations. Unlike a mountain Sami village, this village’s reindeer wander less and stay in the same area all year round.
Sattajärvi Koncessionssameby has its reindeer in enclosures during the winter months, but during the summer months the reindeer roam freely in the forest. When autumn comes and the forest grazing deteriorates, the reindeer seek a lichen heath near Pajala airport, which is a risk area. Namely, 200 trucks from the company Kaunis Iron pass there – every day.
To reduce accidents, the Sami village and the mining company started a collaboration.
– We collect the reindeer earlier than before and drive them to our regular winter enclosure, says Johny Lantto, chairman of the Sami village.
Speakers in the yard
A loudspeaker has been placed in a collection yard built near the accident-affected area. It emits the sound of a bark, something that attracts the reindeer to the pasture.
– A gruel clock for the reindeer, you could say. Our reindeer associate the sound with food, so when they are hungry and hear it, they go to the pasture instead of standing and grazing near the road, says Johny Lantto.
Cameras are also deployed in the paddock. In this way, the reindeer herders can see that there are reindeer to collect. But bringing in the reindeer and transporting them to the winter enclosure, earlier than normal, means increased costs for feeding. A cost that the mining company Kaunis Iron pays.
– It is worth every penny. For one thing, there will be fewer dead reindeer, our trucks will not break down and remain stationary, and for those who commute to work, the road will be safer, says production manager Sven-Erik Olsen, production manager of Kaunis Iron.
Kevin Isaksson drives a truck for Kaunis Iron and he appreciates the measures taken to reduce accidents in the area.
– When it’s dark, snowy and so on, it’s hard to see a reindeer. Because they blend into their surroundings. So there is a moment of concern that is gone, says Kevin Isaksson.
– We have seen a decrease in accidents of almost 70 percent for this area. It feels great, says Johny Lantto.