taz.de
Kiruna, Sweden: 12,000 More Evictions Planned Due to Mine Expansion
LKAB, Sweden's state-owned mining company, announced that 12,000 people must leave their homes in Kiruna by 2035 due to the expansion of its iron ore mine, doubling the previously announced number of evictions.
- How will the expansion affect Kiruna beyond the immediate relocations?
- The expansion will affect newly developed areas of Kiruna, requiring an additional €2 billion for demolition and rebuilding. It will also impact Sami reindeer herders, as the mining encroaches on their traditional migration routes, exacerbating existing conflicts over land use. The city faces a labor shortage and requires substantial government funding for infrastructure.
- What is the immediate impact of LKAB's revised expansion plans on Kiruna's residents?
- The revised plans will force an additional 6,000 residents to relocate, bringing the total to 12,000—two-thirds of Kiruna's population. This will necessitate the demolition and rebuilding of 20 large buildings and 850 single-family homes in addition to areas already slated for demolition.
- What are the long-term implications of LKAB's actions and what is the role of the Swedish government?
- The expansion's long-term implications include the continued displacement of Kiruna's residents and environmental concerns affecting Sami reindeer herders' traditional lands. The Swedish government's responsibility is central as the land involved is state-owned, highlighting the need for governmental support in relocation efforts, infrastructure investment, and addressing the concerns of the Sami community.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the situation in Kiruna, including perspectives from LKAB, the mayor, and affected residents. However, the framing of the initial headline and introduction, while factually accurate, might create a sense of impending doom and overshadow the efforts made to relocate the church and the ongoing dialogue about compensation and relocation.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, although terms like "shocked" and "everything is much worse than thought" could be considered emotionally charged. However, these are used to reflect the emotional impact on residents, rather than to present a biased perspective.
Bias by Omission
While the article provides a comprehensive overview, potential omissions include detailed plans for compensating residents, specific timelines for relocation, and in-depth analysis of the environmental impact of the mining expansion. The focus is primarily on the social impact and the perspectives of those directly affected.
Sustainable Development Goals
The expansion of the Kiruna mine requires the relocation of 12,000 people (two-thirds of the city's population), severely impacting urban planning and the lives of residents. The article highlights the disruption to the city's infrastructure, including the demolition of existing neighborhoods and the need for new housing and infrastructure. This directly contradicts the goal of sustainable and inclusive cities and communities. The displacement also raises concerns about the social and economic well-being of those affected, hindering the creation of resilient and sustainable urban environments.