Social impacts of mining must be taken seriously from the start
Many people associate the Fens field with the supposedly large deposits of thorium found there. This is not least because the radioactive element has been the subject of considerable media attention for several periods. Photo: Alchemist-hp
Plans for mining at the Fens field in Nome municipality in Telemark are moving forward. Now new research shows that the project's success is not just about technical solutions, but also about how the local community is involved.
Two new reports from the REESilience project – a collaboration between Researchers and the industry – points out several important things:
Social consequences must be considered early in the planning process, not afterwards.
Open and genuine dialogue with people in the area is necessary to avoid conflicts that may follow mining.
“The project is not just about technology for extracting rare earth metals. It also addresses the human and social aspects, which are often overlooked. The goal is responsible and fair development,” says researcher Anna Sveinsdóttir at Nordland Research Institute .
So far, there are few clear conflicts in Nome. Interviews with residents show both hope and concern. Many see opportunities for new jobs and development, while others fear a lack of transparency, environmental damage, and that the local community will not receive real benefits from the mining operation. The researchers emphasize that more work is needed to map such concerns and find out how people can be actively involved.
The reports also show that the company Rare Earths Norway (REN), which is leading the exploration, has taken several steps to talk to the local community. They have hired their own communications advisor, arranged many meetings with stakeholders and created information channels around their test project. This shows a desire to build trust and cooperation, which has not always been common in the mining industry.
An example is the Tuftestollen pilot project, which shows both opportunities and challenges. People in the area appreciate the meetings and dialogue, but are still concerned about noise, traffic, lack of local value creation and environmental impact. The researchers believe that REN must take these concerns seriously and be open and active in order to maintain trust.
The main message is clear: Nome Municipality and Norway are at a crossroads. Mining can provide new economic growth and contribute to Europe's access to critical minerals – but only if the local community is heard, informed and included throughout.
