Greta Thunberg joins protest against British mining company seeking ‘short term profits’

The British company, Beowulf Mining, has applied to open a new open-pit mine in Gállok. Several environmental organisations, including Friends of the Earth and UNESCO, have stated the mine could have a “medium to large negative impact” on the Laponia World Heritage Site.

The Laponia World Heritage Site is a large mountainous wildlife protected area in the Lapland province and an important drinking water source, the Lule Rive, could also be impacted.

Now, environmentalist Greta Thunberg has joined the fight against the mining company and protested alongside local Sami activists on Saturday.

Tweeting a link to a petition, she wrote: “Yesterday I and three other activists from @FFF_Sweden joined local Sami activists for a manifestation in Gállok.

“Here, on indigenous land, a British mining company wants to build a mine.

“That would be a disaster for the climate and environment.

“The Sami communities affected have clearly and repeatedly said no to this mine.

“We now await the Swedish government’s decision on whether they will allow this to happen or not.

“The short-term profits of a mining company cannot be prioritised over the culture and rights of the Sámi people, as well as our climate, biodiversity and clean air and water.”

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In the open letter to Sweden’s Minister of Business, Industry and Innovation, Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson, they urged him to stop the proposed iron ore mine in Gállok.

Ms Thunberg will meet with him on February 11.

Meadhbh Bolger, a resource justice campaigner with Friends of the Earth Europe, also urged the Governments to “rethink” the direction they are taking.

She said: “Our governments need to rethink the direction they are taking and stop the opening of yet another devastating mine.

“These plans would devastate the livelihoods of two Sámi villages in Gállok, pollute clean water, and threaten Sweden’s environment and climate ambitions.

“The Swedish Government must instead implement measures that truly transform the economy and society, use fewer materials, and reuse the materials already in the economy.

“Iron and steel recycling levels should greatly increase.”

Iron ore is used across the economy and is important in steel making.

However, steel making accounts for around seven percent of global greenhouse-gas emissions and perpetuates climate change impacts, Friends of the Earth said.