The clash between plans for a nature reserve and a mine has caused both the municipality and the mining company to react.
– The mountain state has given research permits to several companies and one of them has worked there for ten years and now all of a sudden the county board wants to form a nature reserve in the same area. This is a waste of resources, says municipal councilor Ulrik Dahlgren (S) in Storuman.
The hunt for the minerals
Companies may prospect around Fåker and Hackås
Hudik politicians’ opposition to mining remains – even if the mining tax were to become relevant
The mining company: “Come completely without warning”
The Canadian company Agnico Eagle, which has spent SEK 370 million on exploration in the area, also believes that there may now be problems moving forward if the nature reserves become a reality.
– We have had very good communication with the county administration, but this comes completely without warning and if the nature reserve is formed, it means big problems for us to build roads, power lines and other infrastructure when we start our mining operations, says Kåre Höglund, who is a geologist and project manager at Agnico Eagle.
The County Administrative Board understands the criticism
Björn Jonsson, director of nature conservation at the Västerbotten County Board, says he understands the conflict of interest that has arisen.
– I still believe that a compromise can be reached and that both parts can be accommodated within the area in question. Should the mine end up in the middle of one of the planned reserve areas, we can be prepared to stop our plans, he says.
Meeting next week
Now there will be a quickly convened meeting with the governor, the relevant company and the Bergsstaten next week. Decisions on the formation of nature reserves in the area are to be taken shortly.
– We are not against nature reserves being formed, but this has gone far too fast and the communication between the authorities has been far too poor, says Ulrik Dahlgren.