A few weeks ago, the negotiations in the Supreme Administrative Court regarding the mine in Gállok/Kallak outside Jokkmokk were concluded and the parties are now waiting for the court’s decision.
At the same time, the company Jokkmokk Iron Mines has already started plans for another mine establishment.
The company has applied for an exploration permit for the area which is very close to Gállok/Kallak. But the working committee of Jokkmokk’s municipal board now says no to that.
– We think it is strange that at the same time as a legal review is underway, the company chooses at this stage to submit additional investigation permits. Against this backdrop, we chose to say no, we think you should wait for the Supreme Administrative Court’s decision, says Henrik Blind, municipal councilor in Jokkmok.
Politicians agree
Can you say yes in the future?
– If it is the case that there are applications later, you have to look at other aspects. This whole discussion about a mine in Gállok has put a wet blanket over the development of this area, says Blind.
He states that the politicians are in agreement about the decision. Before the change of power after the election, the then S-controlled municipal board was positive about mining plans in the municipality.
– It was very funny that we were a completely united working committee, so even the opposition stood behind this.
“Life has to take place”
At the same time, Svenska Kraftnät wants to expand the transmission network at, among other places, Svartbyn, but the politicians also said no to that.
– These are areas in which the Sami villages Slakka and Sirges are active, and then the lands will decrease for these Sami villages, says Blind and continues:
– I think it is important to stand up for a municipality that has many Sami reindeer husbandry companies that provide local jobs, but also for an indigenous culture that is so important for our entire country. It cannot be the economy that should rule, but life must take place.
SVT Sápmi has contacted Jokkmokk Iron Mines for a comment.