Confrontation Ahead

Page 1

Confrontation. (con路fron路ta路tion) noun 1. an act of confronting. 2. the state of being confronted. 3. a meeting of persons face to face. 4. an open conflict of opposing ideas, forces, etc. 5. a bringing together of ideas, themes, etc., for comparison.

CONFRONTATION AHEAD


Any new map launches new realities. The resource mapping adds new pressure to the landscape. In order to confront this, we need to draw the alternative maps, launch the other realities, gather knowledge and make strategies for visualisation and democratisation. Kjerstin Uhre, 21.11.2011, Facebook

The lines we draw on a map The way we draw a landscape changes its story, adds a new narrative. The map of Finmark, with the superimposed grid of mineral exploration rights resembles colonial maps of north Africa or the American mid-west. The straight connecting lines of the point grid erase shape and scale of the landscape, and ignore the flows and traits of the lives lived in it. The grid renders a powerful and quantifiable terminology of landscape, of something that is, or is not. And the exploration map confronts us with the reading of Finnmark as a source of unlimited mineral exploitation.


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Map data: ©Norges Geologiske undersøkelse / ©Statens kartverk

Secti on 7. Categ In th ories is Ac t, “m of mi a) me inera neral tals ls ow s use with great ned b d in a spe er, i y the the A cific nclud vanad ct State gravi ing c ium, ” mea ty of h romiu iron, lead, ns: 5 m , n gramm ickel plati manga es/cm ,copp num, cadmi n e se, m 3 or er, z tin, um an o l ybden inc, zinc, d tho howev um, n silve rium, zirco er, s iobiu r, go nium, and o hall titan m, ld, c tungs res o not f ium a obalt t f a en, u ll wi nd ar such pyrit , raniu thin senic metal e.In m, the d , and s this . A ll mi l luvia efini ores Act, neral l t i o “ g o f miner old, n;b) s tha these nt to als o the m t are ;c) p the f wned etals yrrho not m irst etrol by a tite inera parag eum p lando and ls ow raph. ursua o exp wner” ned b nt to Howev lorat means y the er, t the A ion a round State his s ct of nd ex on No pursu hall tract 4 May rwegi apter not a ion o 1973 an on 2. Se pply f pet N shore o . archi ction to r 21 re oleum terri ng 8. Ri l a l ting ocate tory. ght t y par d i o sea ty ma n the rch y sea nd, s rch f ubjec or mi t to er le neral the l gisla depos imita tion. lecti its o tions The r on of n ano set o ight miner pe of ther ut in to se als t party the A this arch hat f ’s ct.A n, ex Act a does all o searc tract nd not i utsid h sha ion o s Act nclud e l r the p l not . opera e the u r o t p b i ion 9 ose a struc ons o . Sco nd t the f oth pe of er pa searc explo rties the r hing raight party pursu he la to se a may u nd as n t to arch ndert are n ral d ake s ecess eposi uch w ary t ts. M cance orks o est easur may n o n the ablis es th ot be wner h the at ma surfa imple and t y cau ce exist mente he us on 10 se da ence d wit er of . Dut mage of hout the l y to o earch f s t ighe co and. give ing p n n s o a e tice rty s ser o nt of hall f the the give land atest notic one w . Not e to eek b ice m r wri the l efore ay be tten andow a sea given notif ce, n ner a rch i orall icati otice nd s beg y or on wo may b paper un, a in wr uld c e giv that t iting ause en by is co earch . If u n reaso means mmonl in Fi n a y ble i of an nnmar ive w read nconk, th ritte annou in th e sea n not n e c Finnm e a m r ent i ea.In rchin ice t arkse n g par o the the c iendo er, a ty sh ase Samet mmen nd th all i ing ( (the e rel ndeer n add the S Finnm evant i manag a m a i r k Est area Parli ement see s ate) board a. Whe ectio where and d never n 51 to re it is istri pract of th indee ct bo icall e Act r man given a r y a d o g p f e ossib ment 15 Ju oral le, t (the ble, ne 20 notic he Reind and a 07 No e. No eer M t the . 40 tice anage reshall lates ment t two be gi stry Act), ven a weeks may i s ear ssue befor ce an ly regul e a s d exc ation earch eptio . Exp s con is ns fr lorat cerni om th ion o 1. Ag n g e t f h d reeme e dut uty. miner nt gr y to als o wishi antin w n ng to e d g an by a explo must explo lando re de enter ratio wner posit into ement n per s of an ag mit is re miner reeme ached acqui a ls ow n t wit , an sitio ned b h the appli n, se . Pil y a catio lando e sec ot ex n may wner. tion tract n to be ma 37. ion an ag de fo reeme equir r nt wi es a th th speci lot e e lan al pe xtrac downe rmit tion” o ass r, pi from shall ess t lot e the D he co xmean pecia irect m extra merci l cas orate ction al vi es, a ted f of abili t permi or th h at is ty of t for e exa pilot depos it. extra Kilometers ction

The new mineral law has been followed by heavy investment in magnetic and radiografic exploration surveys on land and offshore. The swung geological lines are translated into point references. The green stone belts of Finnmark are marked in blue.

Looking beneath the surface. Geological maps exceed national borders, the timespan of human history and the scales of nature. As the quest for natural resources continues under ground, maps of fish stocks, fresh water streams, waterfalls, arable lands and bountiful forrests are replaced by magnetic and radiomagnetic maps of mineral deposits. Gradually changing the perceived reality


Snapshot of exploration rights 28.03.12 Dalradian Resources LTD Greenland Gold Resources LTD Sydvaranger Gruve AS Arctic Gold AB Antaeus AS Scandinavian Resources AB NUSSIR ASA Mineralia ANS Kimberlitt AS Metallica Mining ASA Store Norske Gull AS Heli Holding AS REE Mining Drake Resources LTD Kiruna Iro AB Nordic Mining ASA Terra Control AS Norwegian Resource Ventures Ailu Fuchsit AS Pending applications

Below the ground and above our heads? While underground territories are explored according to the UTM aligned grid, a fluid constellation of international investment and mineral exploration companies is forming above ground. Capital flows across national borders and between the companies active in the search for new mineral resources. Companies change owners and exploration rights change hands at the ebb and flow of global economy.


Bog asure, 1:15

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Forest

Lake BiggejĂĄvri Bog

Open area

Lake

The quiet stakeholder At latitudes north of the polar circle, low temperatures and short seasons leads to slow growth and decomposition of organic material, resulting in meager soils and slow revegetation. Reindeer lichen grows very slow, only 3–5 mm per year and may take decades to return once overgrazed or trampled. It easily crumbles when it is cold or dry. Lake

Open area

Every plant is a result of a process of adaptation to the conditions and to the geologically formed landscape. A cliff can give shelter from the wind and store heat from the sun; a shadovy vale can retain snow meaning more water, and a shorter growth season, the slow weathering of rocks adds minerals to the soil and water. Redused pasture areas, overgrazing and motorisation, this is already an exhausted landscape.

Bog

Bog


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collecti ng area

One year is not another’s brother

tagging and slaughter

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top og rap hic line s

much used sites for lĂĄvvu

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spring pasture: calving area, preferably hilly without cliffs and rivers, dry ground and open landscape

collecting area

reindeer herder cabins

Jahki ii leat jagi viellja. sami proverb The practice of reindeer herding has developed over time, as a flexible organisation in continous interaction with the variations in seasons, vegetation and precipitation and the number of animals. The choice of route followed between seasonal pastures are negotiated with topography, composition of the herd, availability of pasture, snow cover and customary agreements between herding families. Increased pressure on pastures and routes, motorized herding and fencing are changing the terms of this negotiation.

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In autumn, the reindeer migrate inward from the coast, feeding on pasture autumn grasses and mushrooms.

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vinter pasture: herds are split during winter to find food as the snow changes from light and dry to packed and icy. LANDSCAPE OF EIGHT SEASONS

Photo: Thomas Vermes, ABC Nyheter

In summer, the reindeer migrate towards the coast and higher ground. Does and calves travel separately from the bucks, more slowly across easier routes


60 SOSI standard 4.0: <<CodeList>> ArealressursArealtype

+ Built area and infrastructure = 10 + Built area = 11 + Infrastructure = 12 + Agriculture = 20 + Fully cultivated land = 21 + Superficially cultivated land = 22 + Home fields grazing = 23 + Forest = 30 + Open firm ground = 50 + Bog = 60 + Glacier = 70 + Water = 80 + Fresh water = 81 + Ocean = 82 + Not surveyed = 99

60

99 ka sjoh Kara

30

99 Karasjok Municipality.

30 60 60

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Land resource data are used in impact assessments and area planning. The standards of the general feature catalogue uses suitability for agriculture as its measure for mapping land resources

11 Karasjok 60

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Drawing a map with the tractor ra

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The pattern of farming along the Karasjohka river has develped in a negotiation with the meandering river, the terrain and geology of the valley and developments in farming equipment. Contrary to the sami reindeer herders, the farmers own the land, and have continously worked within the same boundaries, to the edge of their property and the limits of cultivated soil. Negotiation with nature continues, as farming becomes less profitable and former home field grasslands are reclaimed by the forest.


The road to Náránaš

In 2002, the municipality of Kautokeino decided to build a road to the natural stone quarry at Náránas, centrally located, north east of the town of Kautokeino. The newspaper trail revealed a case of coolliding economic, cultural and spatial interests. Involving local, regional and national decicionmakers, public and private stakeholders, conservation and preservation in conflict, global economic impacts and a bridge that was too short.


Area council

The Area council: objected to alternative 1 as the road crosses three herding routes and cuts through a vinter pasture area

Gievdneguoika

The ministry of agriculture: followed up on the opposition from the reindeer industry to alt. 1 The county governor: alternative 1 is not wanted The quarry company: costs of keeping the longest route might mean an end to operation

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The Sami Parliament: opposed the municipal decision as the planned road would disturb a sami cultural heritage landscape at Heammonjávvi

Herding district

The municipality: had planned Náránaš as an area for rawmaterial exploitation and see this industry as a source of income and work places. Establishing a new road was a political priority and the planned alternative 2 was adopted in 2002

rdin g ro ute

RV

HeammonjávviS

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Long, 6 km, 175

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Náránaš

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,1 road g n ti exis

Gaskabeaivárri

The area council: objected to alternative 3 as it would cut through hitherto intact vinterpastures The ministry of agriculture: supports the area council opposition to alt. 3.

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The existing road cross three herding routes and cut through vinter pastures

Following the line of argument Exploitation of mineral resources impacts the specific site of extraction, but the infrastructural implications extend much further. Mines or quarries in remote areas may be relatively small in their actual footprint, while the roads for transporting the resources out disrupt existing spatial relationships over a large area.

Undisturbed pasture area used for dividing the up the herds after crossing the river. 20-30 000 reindeer pass through this area every spring

Area council

93

bridge, 7,5MM d, 90 m roa Gardejohkka

RV

tio rec Di

autok

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ute

km

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Heammonjávvi is a living cultural landscape with two sami inland farms, an unique and particularily diverse vegetation and 24 buildings of which 12 are automatically protected.The area is listed as a nationally important cultural landscape

93

The Sami Parliament: considered alternative 3 to be acceptable in regards to sami cultural heritage.


Verde Lapponia | Lappia Green | Atlantis The green Masi quartzite has a folded structure with colour variations from white to emerald green. The green colour is due to the green, chromium-rich muscovite called fuchsite

The Directorate for Cultural Heritage: reccomended to reject alt. 2 as the road cuts through the coherent cultural landscape of Heammonjรกvvi. A bridge across the river would disturb this landscape. Noise and dust from the traffic might negatively influence the continued habitation and farming

Mineralutvikling A

The county governor: reccomended under doubt alternative 2, with the added decision to keep the road closed between 1. Nov. and 15.

Detailing of the bridge revealed the need for deeper ancoring of pilars. Instead of 90 meters, the bridge is now 120 meters, divided in three spans of 40 meters. A rental agreement with the mineral companies that uses the road should cover the repayment of construction loans taken up by the municipality.

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Site inspection 13. March 2003

The road to Nรกrรกnas: 4 km long x 4 m wide, gravel

Mineralutvikling AS

Herding district

Area council

The Ministry of environment: Confirmed the original municipal decision giving priority to the importance of local industrial development. none of the alternatives were concidered a better solution.

The expence of income

Photo: ร se Pulk, NRK

The reindeer industry: preferred alternative 2 as long as the existing road would be discontinued and revegetated

Area council

The quarry company: preferred alternative 2 as the shortest, least expensive to upkeap and easiest to transport men and machinery. Herding district

Mineralutvikling AS

The deposits are presently operated by Fuxit AS, a subsidiary of Terra Control AS, and MQ Granite AS that took over operations after Mineralutvikling AS went bancrupt with failing demand.


The grid of the exploration map is a snapshot of the rush for access to resources in the north. It is however placed on top of an already pressured landscape, where the definition and prioritisation of resourses and not least the rights to access them are highly conflictive. instead of a a slow process of negotiation and adaptation, there is a constant confrontation of values, interests and needs. Wherever the grid meets the ground, new confrontations will find place. This time with multinational corporations at the table, supported by strong national interests and governmental strategies.

The new mineral strategy must not be seen and written solely from the resource perspective of the mineral industry and government industrial strategies. The multi-layered interests already at play in the north, must be part of the discussion. A strategy for minerals can not only be about when,, how and where, but should also be strong enough to say, where not, how not, and why not. The mineral strategy sets the scope for mineralexploitation, it should also establish the limits of exploitation


Retracing the steps, references Unless otherwise statet on the image: All aerial photos from Nord atlas, Fylkesatlas for Finmark, http://www.nordatlas.no/ default.aspx?gui=1&lang=2 Digital maps from: Norge digitalt, Statens kartverks kartdata, N50, elevation, administrative borders, FKB, heritage registration, reindeer herding, land resources http://www.statkart.no/ Norge_digitalt/Norsk/Metadata/Nedlasting_av_data/ Geological data from: Norges Geologiske undersøkelser, NGU, http://www.statkart.no/Norge_digitalt/Norsk/Metadata/Nedlasting_av_data/ Information on Mineral exploration: Directorate of Mining, http://www.dirmin.no/default.aspx Information on reindeer herding: Reindriftsforvaltningen: http:// www.reindrift.no/ Information on Finmark kultural and natural landscapes: Miljøstatus i Finnmark, Naturområder, http://finnmark.miljostatus.no/ msf_themepage.aspx?m=4480 (accessed 24.03.2012) Information on Kautokeino municipal plans: http://www.kautokeino.kommune.no/finnmark/kautokeino/kautokeinok.nsf/id/ 74E8232B903CA91241256C4B004DFD82?OpenDocument Inspiration from: Corner, J. and MacLean, A.S., Taking Measures Across the American Landscape, Yale University Press, October 1996, 208 p Lecture notes and discussions with students and teachers during the Studio course, Field of Exploration, Limits of Exploitation Hanne Johnsrud, 29. March 2012


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