But others are very skeptical about the consequences that mining can bring. – This case has led to a division in society. It’s a burden. It weighs more than you might think. That’s why I hope it won’t take long before we get an answer, says mayor Kennet Tømmermo Reitan. Many are impatient and hope for a quick decision on the matter. But the Ministry of Local Government and Districts has previously indicated that it could take between six and 18 months before they can make a final decision. Karl Kristoffer Winter (left) and Kennet Tømmermo Reitan are impatient, waiting anxiously to see if there will be new mining in Røyrvik. Photo: Espen Sandmo / news Objections from the Sámi Parliament Locally, the politicians have accepted the regulatory plan for mining, but the Sámi Parliament and the reindeer herding industry have protested, and believe that the consequences of new mining have not been investigated well enough. They have therefore raised objections to the mining plans. The Sámi Parliament believes that the municipality should have acquired more knowledge about the matter, and that the reindeer husbandry industry should have been involved as required by law. Sami Parliament Councilor Maja Kristine Jåma thinks it is good that the ministry spends plenty of time processing the objections from the Sami Parliament. – It is important that they do a thorough job, she believes. Photo: news – I think the municipality should have done more thorough work before the zoning plan was presented. That is why it is good that the Ministry of Local Government and District Affairs spends a lot of time dealing with the matter, says Sámi parliament councilor Maja Kristine Jåma from the National Federation of Norwegian Sami to news. rejected the Sámi Parliament’s objections. Thus, it is up to the Ministry of Local Government and Districts to make a final decision in the matter. “The department makes a final decision in the matter. In such cases, the ministry holds a meeting with the parties involved and an inspection of the area in question. This is, among other things, so that the matter will be as well informed as possible before a decision is made,” they write in an e-mail to news. Furthermore, there will be a meeting and inspection about the matter in Røyrvik on Friday 30 August. After this, the ministry concerned must make a statement, before the Ministry of Local Government and Districts can finalize and make a decision on the matter. – It must therefore be assumed that a final decision can be made well into the autumn at the earliest, states the Ministry of Local Government and District Affairs. – To be or not to be – Future mining is a to be or not to be for Røyrvik as its own municipality. I don’t think we can continue alone without growth, says Mayor Reitan. – I don’t like the mayor putting the matter at the forefront. He must not forget that the reindeer herding industry is the largest industry in the municipality, and this does not exactly dampen the level of conflict surrounding the issue, says Sámi parliament councilor Maja Kristine Jåma. Mining company Blue Lake Minerals wants to extract 13 million tonnes of raw ore over the next 20 years. The reason is good raw material prices for copper and zinc in the wider world. New mining in Røyrvik There was mining in Joma in Røyrvik from 1972 to 1998. Today it is Joma mines, owned by Swedish Blue Lake Minerals, which is behind the mining plans in Røyrvik. They plan to extract 13.1 million tonnes of raw ore, copper and zinc. This will be transported out of the area in trucks, and down to Namsos where it will be shipped out. The mining company hopes a new mine will have major ripple effects in Indre Namdal, with between 100 and 150 new jobs. There are plans for mining for at least 20 years. After the zoning plan has been finally approved, mining can begin after five to six years. So around 2030. At the turn of the year, Røyrvik had only 423 inhabitants. Last year, three children were born in the municipality. In 2022 none. In the heyday of the previous mining period between 1972 and 1998, the population was up to 750 at most. Kennet Tømmermo Reitan believes that a final decision must come as quickly as possible. He fears the division in the village will deepen if the conclusion from the ministry drags on. Røyrvik municipality is struggling with poor finances, and is dependent on new income in the coming years. Photo: Espen Sandmo / news Many are unsure – There is a lot under the surface and simmering among people. Some wonder whether they have a future or not in Røyrvik. It is important to acknowledge the concern, and the uncertainty is a burden, he believes. One of those who want to invest in Røyrvik is the entrepreneur Karl Kristoffer Winter. Originally from Lierne, and living in Gäddede in Sweden. – I think mining can save the municipality and the economy in the village. But at the same time, many are skeptical of new mining, and all that it entails. Many are afraid to say what they think, he says to news. Has promised to clean up Because mining led to major pollution problems. Half of Hudningsvatnet has been destroyed, and the pollution in the mining area is extensive. But the new company has promised to clean up before new operations can start. – The requirements for environmental measures are much stricter now than before. If the state gives the go-ahead and approves the regulatory plan, there could be new operations in Joma in five to six years. The mining company needs a few years to get everything in place. But we are talking about between 100 and 150 new jobs for at least the next 20 years, says Mayor Reitan. There is still a lot of pollution left after the previous mining operation in Røyrvik. Photo: Anders Selliås He believes a quick decision from the state will mean a lot to people in Røyrvik. – In any case, we have something to deal with going forward. But I have no doubt. Without the mine, it is doubtful whether we can continue as our own municipality. We are already struggling with poor finances, and end up on the Robek list before the summer holidays, he says. In reality, this means that the state takes over the financial management of the municipality. Reitan then believes that a municipal merger in Indre Namdal will eventually force its way. – I think so in the long run. Perhaps there will only be one municipality in Indre Namdal that will be large enough to survive. Published 20.06.2024, at 05.18
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Mining case splits the rural community of Røyrvik in Trøndelag – news Trøndelag – Local news, TV and radio
