It is about new activity in an old copper mine in Joma in Røyrvik municipality. The mine is located in an important grazing area for reindeer, and has therefore met with skepticism from both reindeer owners and the Sami Parliament. At the same time, mining will provide the municipality with much-needed jobs. Today, only about 400 people live in Røyrvik. Got yes That’s why the municipal council on Tuesday evening said yes to the mining operation. It must only be operated underground, not open pit. The politicians have already said no to that. The Swedish mining company, Blue Lake Minerals, will invest NOK 750 million and operate the mine in Joma for 15–20 years. – This was exactly what we needed. Now we can go ahead with all the work that remains, says the communications manager at Joma Gruver, Bjarne Håkon Hanssen. Many people had turned up to hear the outcome of today’s meeting. Photo: Arne Hanssen Must cooperate with the reindeer owners The municipal board adopted the regulation plan, while at the same time ordering the mining company to prepare a regional cumulative impact assessment for reindeer herding. This means that the two parties, the reindeer grazing district and the mining company, must together look at which interventions will affect reindeer herding in the area where the mining operation is to be located. – We will collaborate on that study, and it must be completed before we can get a start-up permit. That’s what Hanssen says. – There is no requirement that we must agree, but it must be finished and concluded before the municipal council can say that you can now start the mine. – We are very happy to have received a unanimous yes, it makes the way forward much easier. Former minister Bjarne Håkon Hanssen is the spokesperson for the Swedish mining company. Photo: Snorre Tønset Must find good solutions The politicians also agreed to send the decision to the Sámi Parliament with a request to withdraw the objection to the mining plans after the adopted changes. If the Sámi Parliament does not withdraw its objection, mediation awaits with the State Administrator, writes Namdalsavisa. – It is a complex and difficult matter, so I understand that people are critical of mining, says mayor Hans Oskar Devik (Sp). Nevertheless, he believes it is important that it was a yes, for the municipality’s future. Bertil Jønsson, group leader for Ap in the municipality, also thinks so. – Now we get to focus on business development in the municipality. We are one of the smallest municipalities in the whole country, so we need the jobs we can get. We have also got a good arrangement for reindeer herding and the mining company to sit down and agree on how to resolve the mess that has been going on. Photo: Arne Hanssen Skuffet Maahke Joma is head of the Tjåehkere reindeer herding district, and had hoped for a different outcome. – It is disappointing. We had hoped that they looked after the reindeer husbandry more than they did. Now he is excited about further dialogue, but is clear that this will have consequences for reindeer herding. – There will be increased activity there, and a third of our calving lands are in the area. Maahke Joma is head of the Tjåehkere reindeer herding district Photo: Private – Concerned The Sami parliamentary council is still not convinced that this will be a good solution for Sami interests. – The Sámi Parliament Council is concerned about the consequences that mining will have on reindeer herding in the area. We know that it has consequences for the natural basis for reindeer husbandry and all that it entails, such as further development, preservation of the Southern Sami language, culture and traditions. That’s what Maja Kristine Jåma, councilor of the Sami Parliament for the Norwegian Sami National Federation, says. Joma Gruver promises between 100 and 115 jobs, in addition to promising large tasks for local businesses. Isn’t that very valuable for the small municipality of approximately 400 inhabitants? – It is clear that a small municipality wants more jobs, but we must also remember that Saepmie is also part of the local community and that the reindeer herding Sami make up a large proportion of the population in Røyrvik municipality. They must also have opportunities to further develop their industry, and the reindeer herding industry is a major player in this area and a sustainable food producer. Maja Kristine Jåma.
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Says yes to controversial mining in Røyrvik – must agree with the Sami Parliament – news Trøndelag – Local news, TV and radio
