Sweden: Open Pit Mines Will Endanger Indigenous Lands, The Environment UN Experts

GENEVA (10 February 2022) – UN human rights experts*
Today, Sweden was urged not to issue a license for iron-ore.
mine in Gallok, home of the indigenous Sami
People claim that the open-pit mining will generate huge amounts of revenue
Pollution and toxic waste can cause harm to the protected
ecosystem including reindeer migration.

The
Proposed project by the British company Beowulf Mining
Their 100%-owned Swedish subsidiary Jokkmokk Iron Mines AB
It is located close to Laponia, a World Heritage Site in the
The northernmost part of the country

We are very grateful
Concerned about the lack of good-faith consults and the
Failure to obtain the informed, free and prior consent
Sami and over the irreversible and significant risks
The Gallok project is a threat to Sami lands and resources.
According to experts, culture and livelihoods are key.

An open
A large amount of dust can be generated by a pit mine Contains
heavy metals,and the deposit toxic waste in tailings
Ponds can impact the environment as well as water sources.
said. Iron concentrate rail transport is a constant and intense daily operation
The Sami and their communities will be directly affected by the construction of the road.
Traditional migration routes can bring about cultural and economic change.
Reindeer will be killed. Impact on the
Reindeer herding would be a threat to the UNESCO World
Laponia is listed as a Heritage Site.

The
The existence and development reindeer herding are a matter of course
Fundamental condition for survival of the Sami
culture. Reindeer herding is, according to Swedish law, a prohibited activity.
Right, guaranteed to Sami people – remains a primary
Source of income in the area

There have been
Insufficient assessment and recognition for the environmental
The experts added that the mine will cause damage.
The government has taken on international legal obligations
to protect the rights of indigenous persons and the environment
environment.

International expert groups have
Several times, concerns were raised with the Swedish government over
The failure to comply with international standards
Rights of indigenous peoples within domestic legislation
The Environmental Act and the Minerals Act are notable examples.
Code.

This has serious implications for the Sami
As mining concessions were issued without consultations
With the consent of affected communities or their consent, the UN
experts said. The balancing interests has been a tradition.
The Environmental Code has been weighed in favor of
The lobby of extractive industries and economic gain
companies.

After many years of negotiations and debate,
Sweden passed a national law on 27 January 2022
Consultation is required by the Government and the State
Consult representatives of the authorities
Before making any decisions about matters that might be of concern to the Sami people,
Sami are particularly important.

While the
We call on Sweden not to ignore the law, but it is not yet in force.
Future good-faith relations at the with indigenous peoples
The recognition of their cultural heritage is the basis for national level
The experts said heritage and traditional livelihoods.
A decision to not approve the Gallok project could be detrimental
Show a paradigm shift from the past
injustices.

Indigenous peoples, their knowledge
They are essential for sustainable environmental management
Natural resources and biodiversity conservation are two of the most important aspects of natural resources.
These are essential elements in combating climate change
Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals in Climate Change
Conservation and action
biodiversity.

* The experts: Jos
Francisco Cali Tzay(Guatemala).
TheSpecial
Rapporteur for the rights of indigenous peoples.
He is Maya Kaqchikel, a Guatemalan woman with extensive experience.
The defense of the rights and interests of indigenous peoples, both internationally and locally.
Guatemala and at the United Nations and the
OAS. He is a University of Arizona Lecturer of Law.
David R. Boyd Canada is the Special
Rapporteur on the environment and human rights.
He is an Associate Professor of Law, Policy, and
Sustainability at the University of British
Columbia.

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