The Kolmozero site will be developed with regard to traditional nature management and crafts
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The Kolmozero site will be developed with regard to traditional nature management and crafts

News  
06-08-2022
 
Source: pixabay

Norilsk Nickel has begun consultations with indigenous peoples on the future development of the Kolmozero lithium deposit. Consultations were held with representatives of indigenous peoples in the villages of Lovozero and Krasnoshchelye in the Murmansk Region.

Andrey Grachev, vice-president of Norilsk Nickel, said that the company has «a unique opportunity to take into account traditional nature management and crafts at the initial stage of project development».

“It is important for the company to take into account and minimize all possible adverse effects for the indigenous peoples of the region. Norilsk Nickel has rich experience in supporting reindeer husbandry in Taimyr, and this knowledge will be applicable in the Murmansk region as well,” he said.

Representatives of the company told the residents of the Lovozero district about the prospects for the development of the field. The dialogue was attended by the Saami, Nenets and Komi, as well as representatives of reindeer farms, authorities, the state corporation "Rosatom" and independent experts in the field of the rights of indigenous peoples. The main purpose of the meeting is to set up a two-way dialogue between the company and indigenous peoples, to inform representatives of local communities about the upcoming project, to listen and write down proposals and comments from indigenous organizations.

“The meeting went well, in my opinion. Everyone asked as many questions as possible today. We worked quite constructively and held discussions,” said Elena Almazova, president of the Kola Saami Association.

During the consultations, representatives of Norilsk Nickel told the audience about the principles of the company's interaction with indigenous peoples and about the Kolmozero project.

Geological studies of the Kolmozero field were carried out in the 1950s, and much of the project data has yet to be verified. “Today, there is a unique opportunity to take into account traditional nature management and crafts at the initial stage of project development. It is important for the company to take into account and minimize all possible negative consequences for the indigenous peoples of the region. Nornickel has rich experience in supporting reindeer husbandry in Taimyr, and this knowledge and competencies will be applicable and in the Murmansk region," commented Andrey Grachev, Vice President of Norilsk Nickel.

The company confirmed its intention in the near future to collect and verify all possible information about the subjects, the nature and extent of traditional crafts, sacred places and burials, identify the circle of people potentially affected by the impact of the project, and make detailed maps of the territory. Research will be carried out with the involvement of leading scientific institutions and in cooperation with indigenous peoples.

“We can only welcome that Norilsk Nickel is acting in accordance with international standards of due diligence and is ready to share information about the project with the indigenous peoples of the region at such early stages of preparation. Such an approach will protect the rights and prioritize the interests of indigenous peoples in the region,” commented the Deputy Alexei Tsykarev, Chairman of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

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