Reindeer and rare-earth minerals: Swedish politicians take aim at Indigenous Sami in mining dispute
Gabna community fear their traditional herding routes will be sacrificed as far-right rhetoric ramps up against them
TL;DR
- Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch has publicly attacked Sami reindeer herding rights, calling it an industry with limited economic significance.
- The Christian Democrats party advocates for reduced reindeer numbers and ending reindeer husbandry's 'national interest' status to facilitate mineral exploitation.
- The conflict is centered on LKAB's plan to expand an iron ore mine near Kiruna to access Europe's largest known reserve of rare-earth elements.
- Sami communities, like the Gabna people, fear these mining plans will destroy traditional herding routes and threaten their culture.
- The Sweden Democrats, a far-right party, also question Sami land rights in their election manifesto, aligning with industrial development goals.
- Sami politicians express shock at the directness of the anti-Sami sentiment, noting it pushes boundaries in national discourse.
- LKAB states the mine expansion is in early stages, acknowledging potential impacts and proposing measures to support continued reindeer herding, aiming for long-term solutions.