Sweden steals more of Sami land with the expansion of mining which threatens their culture and future
The European Commission’s recent decision to approve the mining projects Talga Graphite in Nunasvaara, LKAB ReeMap in Malmberget, and LKAB P
The approval of these mining projects, classified as "Strategic Projects," directly undermines the rights of the Sámi people. By fast-tracking these mining projects with an expedited 27-month permitting process, the EU prioritizes resource extraction over our fundamental rights to free, prior, and informed consent. This decision risks bypassing essential environmental safeguards and further marginalizing Sámi communities. “The EU is promoting the exploitation of minerals that contribute to human rights abuses within the EU” Per-Olof Nutti, President of the Saami Council states. “This is a direct violation of our rights as the only recognized Indigenous People within the EU. It is an attack on our culture, our land, and our future.”
The relocation of the 113-year-old church is part of a 30-year project to move about 3,000 homes in the city.
“This area is traditional Sami land,” Lars-Marcus Kuhmunen, chair of the local Gabna Sami community, said. “This area was grazing land and also a land where the calves of the reindeer were born.” If plans for another nearby mine go ahead after the move, that would cut the path from the reindeer’s summer and winter pastures, making herding “impossible” in the future, he said. “Fifty years ago, my great-grandfather said the mine is going to eat up our way of life, our reindeer herding. And he was right,” he added.
