"The mineral conflict in the high north" 22 September 2025

"Europe’s demand for critical minerals and metals is growing while Sámi reindeer herders in Norway and Sweden defend their territories and cultural traditions. European energy security and indigenous rights are at stake, and unresolved disputes risk escalating conflicts."

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"Nussir was designated strategic project status within the Critical Raw Materials Act in March. The status fast-tracks bureaucracy and, more importantly for Nussir which already has its permits in place, adds legitimacy and opens up financial doors.

While Norwegian authorities, the mining company and local politicians in Hammerfest municipality welcome the mine as a source of jobs and opportunities in the declining community, the activists are raising their voices. They are fighting for the nationally recognised salmon fjord, Sea Sámi fishing traditions, and reindeer husbandry culture.

The project has been halted before. When construction resumed in June, protests ignited once again. Several activists have been arrested and fined, but the resistance continues with the latest occupation of the working site taking place last Saturday."

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