Unveiling Contradictions: The Green Energy Transition and Sámi Indigenous Rights in the Per Geijer Expansion, Kiruna, Sweden

Sammanfattning: In recent decades, there has been a growing recognition of Indigenous rights over traditional territories and natural resources, alongside the intensification of extractive activities on Indigenous lands, often in violation of their rights.The paradox is driven by several factors, including escalating global commodity prices, energy security concerns, and the shift towards green energy. While Sweden has long been known for promoting human rights and environmental standards, the exploitation of rare earth metals in Kiruna has emerged as a significant priority on the Swedish political agenda. These metals are crucial for producing green energy technologies and advancing green energy transition in the country as well as Europe. However, mining rare earth metals in Kiruna raises concerns about the impact on the traditional ways of life of the Sámi Indigenous people, who rely on these territories for their survival and cultural identity. The Sámi people have a deep connection to the land and are greatly affected by environmental changes, including mining activities in their territories. This thesis aims to explore the role of the Sámi Indigenous people in the decision-making process of the Per Geijer expansion of Kiruna mine. Considering the significant priority given to advancing the green energy transition, a critical question arises whether the green energy transition is truly “green” if it requires sacrificing the cultural heritage of the Sámi Indigenous communities in the area.  By employing various perspectives and drawing on environmental justice and interactive governance theories, this thesis aims to shed light on this complex intersection of mining, Indigenous rights, and the pursuit of sustainability, with a particular emphasis on the social sustainability implications.