Special lecture series 5: Reindeer Herding and the Mines: Why Are the Discrepancies So Large?

Representative from Jåhkågasska Sámi Village: Nils Johanas Allas; along with respresentives from Talma Sámi Village: Lars Marcus Lilja Kuhmunen, Gabna Sámi Village. Respondent: Daniel Fjellborg, political science researcher at Luleå University of Technology.
There are many examples of mining projects that stand in conflict with reindeer herding in the north. The most drawn-out of these concerns Beowulf Minings’ planned iron ore mine in Gallok, which was recently given the green light to proceed with its operations. Outside Vittangi, Talga Resources intends to construct several graphite mines, which may cut off parts of the winter pastures of Talma Sámi Village. The Sámi villages Gabna and Sarivuoma would also be affected by this. Yet another example is LKAB’s plans for the Per Geijer deposit, which will cut off the last remaining passage for Gabna Sámi Village to Giron/Kiruna. Protests alongside other alternative acts of resistance are taking place everywhere, something investigated by Daniel Fjellborg in his recent thesis “Strategies
and Actions in Swedish Mining Resistance.”

Daniel Fjellborg is a Doctor of Political Science. He recently presented his thesis, “Strategies and Actions in Swedish Mining Resistance” at Luleå University of Technology. The study maps resistance against the mining industry in Sweden over the past fifteen years, and the motives behind the growing protest movement that can be witnessed from Giron in the north all the way down south to Österlen. The findings show that opposition to mining projects tend to be based on a desire to promote other societal developments, such as environmental protection, agriculture or Sámi commerce. He also explores how the other societal actors can affect the development of mining conflicts through law-making, politics, and the actions of mining companies. Through his research, and having grown up in the Giron villages, he has experienced both the positive and negative aspects that active mines and new developments can bring to the local community. His current research focuses on how company-led mediation can affect local acceptance for, or resistance against, the industrial transition in the north.