Kiruna Municipality Takes Control of Talga Mine Planning Amid Indigenous Opposition
Kiruna municipality's decision to oversee Talga mine planning faces opposition from indigenous communities.
Key Points
- • Kiruna municipality will manage the detailed planning for the Talga mine after government pressure.
- • Indigenous leaders, particularly from Talma sameby, expressed strong dissatisfaction with this move.
- • The decision was made to maintain local control over the project instead of relinquishing it to another authority.
- • A vote on the planning decision is scheduled for June 16.
Kiruna municipality has decided to take charge of the detailed planning for the Talga mine project located in Vittangi, following increased pressure from the Swedish government. This decision comes after concerns that the government might transfer planning authority to the county administrative board if the municipality did not act quickly.
Nils Johanas Allas, the chairman of Talma sameby, expressed his dissatisfaction with the municipality's choice, stating that it feels disheartening when local governance appears to bow to state pressure. Allas remarked, "It feels bad when the municipality listens to the state," indicating strong pushback from indigenous groups regarding the mine's development, as they foresee detrimental impacts on their lands and livelihoods.
Mats Taaveniku, a municipal councilor, defended the decision by highlighting the necessity to maintain local control rather than letting an external authority assume responsibility. He mentioned that the municipal council aims to have a say in the planning instead of yielding it. A vote on this planning decision is expected to take place on June 16, 2025, as the municipality navigates the complexities of balancing economic development with indigenous rights.