Experts discussed with indigenous peoples a project to develop a lithium deposit in the Murmansk region

The Arctic Development Project Office (PORA) reported that in early February, Murmansk and the Murmansk Region held the next stage of consultations with indigenous peoples on the Kolmozersk lithium deposit development project. The meetings were attended by the heads of reindeer herding cooperatives, members of the Council of Representatives of indigenous peoples under the Government of the Murmansk region, representatives of the local Sami public organization and the Kola Sami Association. In the villages of Lovozero and Krasnoshchelye, local residents also joined the discussion.

"Such meetings are held to maintain effective two-way communication between the Polar Lithium company and indigenous and reindeer herding peoples whose ethnosocial and ethnocultural environment may be affected in the future by the development of the country's largest lithium ore deposit," the message says.

During the consultations, the preliminary results of the ethnoexpertize and the methodology for calculating losses of reindeer herding enterprises were presented. The company noted that the examination is nearing completion. At the moment, reputable scientists are analyzing materials in order to develop plans to minimize the impact on the ancestral habitat of the peoples and propose compensatory measures.

Representatives of Norilsk Nickel, Polar Lithium and independent experts addressed the working group and residents of the settlements. Thus, a representative of Norilsk Nickel spoke about the company's actions within the framework of due diligence measures. According to him, the principle of conducting broad consultations in good faith with the parties whose interests may be affected by the development of the field is actively applied.

Norilsk Nickel noted that all the main reports on ethnoexpertize have already been received, concerning issues of ecology, ethnology, sociology, the impact of the project on the traditional way of life and crafts. Based on this information, a project for optimal tracing of linear objects of the field is already being developed in order to reduce the possible impact of an industrial facility on reindeer husbandry. In the future, the company also plans to develop a draft plan for interaction with indigenous peoples on the Kolmozersky deposit.

The representative of Polar Lithium outlined the status of exploration work at the field. He said that quarrying is possible in the field, located 86 km east of the village of Lovozero. There are no harmful, toxic or radioactive impurities in the rock. The company emphasizes that no harmful substances will enter the air, soil, or water at any stage of production.

The participants of the consultations also discussed the potential impact of the industrial facility on the traditional way of life, crafts and culture of indigenous peoples. In their opinion, any impact on reindeer husbandry will affect the community as a whole. If the number of deer decreases, there will be less meat, hides and offal.

Nevertheless, the experts concluded that the territory of the deposit does not directly affect the ancestral and sacred sites of the Sami and other reindeer herding peoples. Due to its remoteness from populated areas, Kolmozero does not belong to the priority territories of traditional nature management of indigenous peoples, with the exception of reindeer husbandry.