The Swedish government may exploit grounds near Jokkmokk and Kallak in the north of Sweden for extracting raw materials. The highest Swedish economic court has given the green light on 25 June 2024.
The local Sami economic cooperation – made up by the indigenous people of Northern Sweden – tried to stop the economic exploitation, but to no avail. At the same time the United Nations cultural organisation UNESCO warned that new mines could threaten the World Heritage status of the vast area of Laponia.
The stand-off between the Swedish government and the Sami, supported by environmental organisations, already lasts since 2017. In March 2022 Stockholm gave Iron Mines the rights to exploit the designated areas. This company is planning to start mining for iron and minerals in 2025.
The mining operations still lack an environmental license, which gives some hope to the Sami that they are still able to stop in what they see as their lands to judge over. | © 2024 Marcel Burger, nordicreporter.com.