In the mine, there are copper, zinc, and lead. Minerals that are important for the electrification of society, writes the County Administrative Board in a press release. At the same time, the land is crucial for reindeer herding in the area.
Previously, the two Sami villages affected by the decision have said no, as has the County Administrative Board in Västerbotten.
But now the County Administrative Board is changing its stance on the issue.
The company has changed its plans quite a bit from last time. It's a significantly smaller land claim this time – from over 100 hectares to 4 hectares – and they've also chosen to only mine during the winter when the impact on reindeer herding is less, says Magnus Langendoen, unit manager at the environmental unit at the County Administrative Board in Västerbotten, to SVT Västerbotten.
The mine is to be open from November to April. The Sami villages will also be able to stop all or part of the operations in the area in April, writes Bluelake Mineral, which owns Vilhelmina Mineral, in a press release.
But the matter is not yet settled, now the Mining Authority will have its say. The company also needs a permit from the Land and Environment Court. Previously, the County Administrative Board in Jämtland has said yes to the operation.
