Around 100 Swedish and foreign companies want to start mines in Sweden. Last year alone, two billion kroner was invested in looking for new mining deposits.
At the same time, the projects are getting bigger. In Kiruna there is already the world’s largest underground iron ore mine. And there LKAB wants to expand operations with the so-called Per Geijer ore.
Busch: “We need mines”
Both the EU and the Swedish government are pushing for more mines. Partly to reduce dependence on China but also with reference to climate policy.
– We need the mines to be able to make the green transition, says Minister of Economic Affairs Ebba Busch to SVT Sápmi.
But the planned mines are not untouched nature. The areas are already used by animals and people – not least by reindeer husbandry. In order to facilitate the permit processes, the politicians therefore hope for a coexistence between the reindeer husbandry and the mining industry.
“It will be the end”
In order for reindeer herding to be possible, large areas are required both for grazing and migration routes. If the Per Geijer mine becomes a reality, there will be no place left for the reindeer to move, according to Gabna Sameby. They share their lands with the mine in Kiruna and have already had to change their migration routes several times due to the mine’s development.
– Reindeer coming from the east will not reach the Sami village’s lands. It will be the end if it continues like this, says Bertil Svonni in Gabna Sami village.
Karin Kvarfordt Niia agrees. The coexistence that politics hopes for is simply not possible, according to her. You are forced to make a choice between reindeer husbandry and mining. And historically, it is the mining industry that has won that battle.
– It is a robbery by God’s grace, she says.
The Minister of Industry: “A tough situation”
From a political point of view, the dream of coexistence still lives on.
– We have several examples of when, in close dialogue with the Sami villages concerned, solutions have been found, says Minister of Economic Affairs Ebba Busch.
How do you see the situation with the Per Geijer deposit?
– It is a very tough situation. We now have a statutory order on how we must protect both the possibility of a green transition, ensure the climate and thus also nature for the Sámi interests going forward and the statutory Sámi rights. It has to take its course, I can’t and won’t judge that of course.
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