Sweden, home of TLGs graphite mine(s)

"Kiruna opens graphite mine in Vittangi
LULEÅ. Kiruna plans to bow to the government's demands and approve the graphite mine in Vittangi. But the decision is not set in stone.
“A direction can be changed,” says the chairman of the municipal board, Mats Taaveniku (S).
Updated: March 6, 2025, 2:57 PM"

"A mining project could be on the cards in the European Capital of Culture in 2029: The municipality of Kiruna wants to give in to the government's demands and authorise a graphite mine in Vittangi, writes Dagens Industri"

"The municipality of Kiruna now intends to comply with the order..."

"The management's reaction - how Luleå is affected after Northvolt's announcement
A heavy blow for the industrial initiative and for the whole of Skellefteå.
However, according to the city council, Northvolt's bankruptcy filing will not significantly affect Luleå.
- Luleå is hardly affected, says Carina Sammeli (S) in a press release.
..."

sorry for the layout...​

"Digital: The Swedish Association for Community Planning's annual meeting + digital event!​

• Thursday, March 27, 2025
• 16:00 18:00
• Google Calendar ICS

The association's annual meeting will be held digitally on March 27 at 5:00 PM.

Before the annual meeting, at 4:00 PM, we are also pleased to invite you to an exciting digital event about the government's order for a detailed plan for a graphite mine in Kiruna and how it may affect future community planning and the municipal planning monopoly! Read more and register below.

Register here by March 26th (members only)​

The government requires a detailed plan for a graphite mine in Kiruna - what happened to the planning monopoly?​

The government has decided to order Kiruna Municipality to adopt a detailed plan by 16 May 2025 to enable mining operations in Vittangi. The decision comes after the company Talga received an environmental permit for a graphite mine, but met resistance from the municipality. The area is of national interest for mineral extraction, and the government emphasizes the importance of graphite for the green transition and battery manufacturing. This is the first time the government has used the Planning and Building Act to force a municipality to adopt a detailed plan.

How does the government's decision affect future community planning? What does it mean for the municipal planning monopoly? Welcome to our digital event where we discuss the decision, its consequences and what it may signal for future planning practice!

Digitalt: Föreningen för samhällsplanerings årsmöte + digitalt event! — Föreningen för Samhällsplanering

Föreningens årsmöte kommer att hållas digitalt den 27 mars kl 17:00 . Innan årsmötet, klockan 16:00, har vi också glädjen att bjuda in till ett spännande digitalt event om regeringens föreläggande av detaljplan för grafitgruva i Kiruna!

www.planering.org

Demented and desperate, the NIMBYs continue to embarrass themselves and are trying to appeal the planning order, requesting a judicial review because they believe that the deposit isn't of national interest. That's their argument, even though the SGU has it listed as a deposit of national interest.

An overview of projects in Sweden. Dagens Arbete is the newspaper for industrial workers and analyses the conditions of industrial working life and writes about trade union and socio-political issues that are relevant to its members. In our case, they have forgotten that the environmentalists have also contributed to the delay and active climate protection. Anyway, for those who are interested:

"Dagens Arbete reviews 30 green industrial initiatives
Published 2025-03-24
Sweden should be a leader in the green transition.
But progress is slow.
Two thirds of the green industrial projects reviewed by Dagens Arbete have been severely delayed and several have been cancelled altogether.
The transport sector is faring worst.

...
(Tallow is Talga and a translation error by Google)

..."

Apply by April 26th

"Engineering Manager
Lulea, Sweden
Master of Science (MSc), Production, Mining, Metallurgy
Municipality: Luleå
Brief facts about the job
Scope: Full-time
Duration: Until further notice
Employment type: Permanent or fixed-term employment
Qualifications
Training
Claim
Post-secondary education of two years or longer in Technology and technical industry

About the job
The future is green, and we are moving there rapidly. Talga enables this transition by establishing a sustainable, vertically integrated European source for advanced materials and battery anodes for the growing lithium battery industry. With the world's highest quality natural graphite deposits, access to clean Nordic renewable energy, and efficient production processes, Talga is uniquely positioned to become a key player in the growing green economy.

With operations in Northern Sweden, research and development, and sales in the UK and Australia, processing and distribution in Germany, and headquarters in Stockholm, Talga is a global company.

The Role

As an Engineering Manager at Talga, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that our projects are technically robust and meet all relevant regulatory requirements. You will be responsible for leading and coordinating a cross-functional team throughout all project phases, from the feasibility study to execution. Your ability to foster engagement and drive projects forward is vital to delivering results on time and within budget.

Your focus will be to develop and maintain technical strategies and deliverables to ensure that projects meet our high standards for safety, quality, performance, and sustainability. You will work closely with external consultants and internal teams to ensure seamless communication and efficient coordination.

Responsibilities include:

Leadership and Project Management: Responsible for creating and leading a cross-functional ownership team that reviews and approves FEED, detailed design, and project execution within set timelines.
Technical Expertise and Planning: Develop long-term engineering strategies and goals, ensuring that engineering standards and procedures are maintained at the highest level.
Technical Coordination and Communication: Ensure effective and transparent communication with external consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams.
Risk Management and Safety: Lead and participate in safety and design reviews, managing and documenting all risks and actions.
Quality Assurance and Documentation: Ensure that all engineering documents, from drawings to as-built models, are correctly prepared and archived.
Project Budget and Schedule: Create and track the project's budget and schedule to ensure high efficiency and results.
Supplier and Consultant Management: Participate in the selection of consultants and suppliers, ensuring proper handling of technical issues and variations.
Managing Technical Deviations and Changes: Approve and manage technical variations and construction changes related to engineering integrity.

Requirements:

At least 4–5 years of experience in mineral processing operations.
Previous experience in the engineering section of an owner's company or contractor firm.
Documented experience in a supervisory role involving planning, organizing, and staff management.
Previous experience as an Engineering Manager on a large project.
IT Skills: Experience with CAD platforms and software, as well as System Applications and Products (SAP).
Language Skills: Fluent in English, both spoken and written, with strong communication skills.


Specific Qualifications:

BSc/MSc degree in Civil/Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Process, or another relevant engineering discipline.
MBA or leadership certification is a plus.
At least 10 years of relevant experience in operations and project management.


Personal Characteristics:

We are looking for a candidate with a strong combination of communication skills, collaboration abilities, and a result-oriented mindset. You express yourself clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally, and adapt your communication to suit different audiences. You work well with others, building positive relationships even under pressure, ensuring that you deliver results without compromising on quality or efficiency.

You are independent, take initiative, and make well-informed decisions without constant supervision, particularly when it comes to safety and risk management. Your problem-solving skills are structured, innovative, and analytical, allowing you to identify and address challenges effectively. You maintain focus and high-quality performance under pressure.

Responsibility is a core part of your work ethic; you take ownership of your tasks and results, always mindful of the consequences of your decisions and actions. You have a strong awareness of quality standards and prioritize safety, risk management, and work procedures, constantly striving for improvement and development."

EU’s raw materials plan an attack on Indigenous land and culture, says Saami Council​

The European Commission’s recent approval of 47 strategic projects aimed at mining and processing raw minerals, has been condemned as a significant violation of Indigenous rights, according to the president of the NGO representing the international Sámi community.​

2 April 2025 - 08:10
The mining projects Talga Graphite in Nunasvaara, LKAB ReeMap in Malmberget, and LKAB Per Geijer in Kiruna, all located in Arctic Sweden, part of the traditional Saami homeland.
“The EU is promoting the exploitation of minerals that contribute to human rights abuses within the EU,” P.-O. N., president of the Saami Council said in a statement.
“This is a direct violation of our rights as the only recognized Indigenous People within the EU.”
Critical to defence, green transition, commission says
The Commission said that these projects are essential to strengthening Europe’s raw materials supply chain and reducing dependency on a small number of countries or suppliers.
“These projects were selected as they contribute to the EU’s secure supply of strategic raw materials, adhere to environmental, social and governance criteria and are technically feasible,” the commission said it its March 24 announcement. “In addition, the selected projects have also demonstrated clear cross-border benefits for the EU.”

A map showing the EU’s strategic projects.

Amid geopolitical instability caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU, once reliant on third countries for raw materials, enacted the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) on May 23, 2024, to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities.

“We must increase our own production, diversify our external supply, and make stockpiles,” Stéphane Séjourné, executive vice-president for prosperity and industrial strategy, said. “This is a landmark moment for European sovereignty as an industrial powerhouse.”

Saami Concerns Over Marginalization and Cultural Erosion

However, the Saami Council said there’s been little consideration about how Saami communities will be affected by the projects.


The Saami are traditionally reindeer herders, hunters, and fishers, relying on the land to sustain their culture and livelihood, and to allow their reindeer to migrate between winter and summer pastures. They say the EU’s decision is adding further pressure to their culture and livelihoods, which are already under strain from climate change.

“By fast-tracking these mining projects with an expedited 27-month permitting process, the EU prioritizes resource extraction over our fundamental rights to free, prior, and informed consent,” the NGO said.

“This decision risks bypassing essential environmental safeguards and further marginalizing Saami communities.”

Limited resources to counter industrial expansion

The Saami have long warned that they face a new form of ‘green colonization,’ as southern governments seek critical minerals from the Arctic to address climate change. At the same time, their Arctic cultures are under threat from the very climate changes caused by those southern nations.

The Saami parliaments in the Nordic countries have increasingly raised concerns that, due to their small populations and limited funding, they lack the research and legal staff necessary to address the environmental and cultural impacts of each proposed project, especially as international corporations expand in the region.


“The power imbalance between Saami communities and the corporations driving these mining projects exacerbates the challenges we face,” the NGO said.

“The Saami lack the necessary resources to effectively challenge these projects. Without the financial means or human capacity, our ability to protect our rights and our lands is severely limited, leaving us vulnerable to exploitation by mining companies and governments.”

N. urged the Commission to reconsider its decision and ensure that the Saami are granted free, prior, and informed consent.

“The EU, which has long prided itself on being a champion of human rights, must uphold its commitment to protecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights, especially within its own borders,” he said.

“This expectation has been undermined by the EU’s support for projects that threaten the Saami way of life.”

--------------------------------

This story is posted on the Barents Observer as part of Eye on the Arctic, a collaborative partnership between public and private circumpolar media organizations."

cosors said:

View attachment 81115

EU’s raw materials plan an attack on Indigenous land and culture, says Saami Council​

The European Commission’s recent approval of 47 strategic projects aimed at mining and processing raw minerals, has been condemned as a significant violation of Indigenous rights, according to the president of the NGO representing the international Sámi community.​

2 April 2025 - 08:10
The mining projects Talga Graphite in Nunasvaara, LKAB ReeMap in Malmberget, and LKAB Per Geijer in Kiruna, all located in Arctic Sweden, part of the traditional Saami homeland.
“The EU is promoting the exploitation of minerals that contribute to human rights abuses within the EU,” P.-O. N., president of the Saami Council said in a statement.
“This is a direct violation of our rights as the only recognized Indigenous People within the EU.”
Critical to defence, green transition, commission says
The Commission said that these projects are essential to strengthening Europe’s raw materials supply chain and reducing dependency on a small number of countries or suppliers.
“These projects were selected as they contribute to the EU’s secure supply of strategic raw materials, adhere to environmental, social and governance criteria and are technically feasible,” the commission said it its March 24 announcement. “In addition, the selected projects have also demonstrated clear cross-border benefits for the EU.”
View attachment 81116
A map showing the EU’s strategic projects.

Amid geopolitical instability caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU, once reliant on third countries for raw materials, enacted the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) on May 23, 2024, to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities.

“We must increase our own production, diversify our external supply, and make stockpiles,” Stéphane Séjourné, executive vice-president for prosperity and industrial strategy, said. “This is a landmark moment for European sovereignty as an industrial powerhouse.”

Saami Concerns Over Marginalization and Cultural Erosion

However, the Saami Council said there’s been little consideration about how Saami communities will be affected by the projects.

View attachment 81118
The Saami are traditionally reindeer herders, hunters, and fishers, relying on the land to sustain their culture and livelihood, and to allow their reindeer to migrate between winter and summer pastures. They say the EU’s decision is adding further pressure to their culture and livelihoods, which are already under strain from climate change.

“By fast-tracking these mining projects with an expedited 27-month permitting process, the EU prioritizes resource extraction over our fundamental rights to free, prior, and informed consent,” the NGO said.

“This decision risks bypassing essential environmental safeguards and further marginalizing Saami communities.”

Limited resources to counter industrial expansion

The Saami have long warned that they face a new form of ‘green colonization,’ as southern governments seek critical minerals from the Arctic to address climate change. At the same time, their Arctic cultures are under threat from the very climate changes caused by those southern nations.

The Saami parliaments in the Nordic countries have increasingly raised concerns that, due to their small populations and limited funding, they lack the research and legal staff necessary to address the environmental and cultural impacts of each proposed project, especially as international corporations expand in the region.

View attachment 81119
“The power imbalance between Saami communities and the corporations driving these mining projects exacerbates the challenges we face,” the NGO said.

“The Saami lack the necessary resources to effectively challenge these projects. Without the financial means or human capacity, our ability to protect our rights and our lands is severely limited, leaving us vulnerable to exploitation by mining companies and governments.”

N. urged the Commission to reconsider its decision and ensure that the Saami are granted free, prior, and informed consent.

“The EU, which has long prided itself on being a champion of human rights, must uphold its commitment to protecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights, especially within its own borders,” he said.

“This expectation has been undermined by the EU’s support for projects that threaten the Saami way of life.”

--------------------------------

This story is posted on the Barents Observer as part of Eye on the Arctic, a collaborative partnership between public and private circumpolar media organizations."

EU’s raw materials plan an attack on Indigenous land and culture, says Saami Council

The European Commission’s recent approval of 47 strategic projects aimed at mining and processing raw minerals, has been condemned as a significant violation of Indigenous rights, according to the president of the NGO representing the international Sámi community.

www.thebarentsobserver.com

Click to expand...

This annoyed me so much when I read it.

Now they're trying to get the spotlight using the CRMA to say their views won't be considered because the projects will be fast tracked.

No. Your views were considered. And it was considered that fair concessions were made to the Sami while balancing Europe's needs for raw materials. And that was done before the CRMA. Multiple times. STFU.

And complaining about not having the resources to make their view heard. You've bloody well delayed this project enough having your views heard with every appeal. STFU.

So over the Sami. They won't think it's fair or that they've been heard until courts find in their favour 100%. There's no concession at all. They can't see that they've had their say many times and have been rejected, because outright banning mining is not feasible, and Talga is only mining half a year to allow their migratory routes to continue. But they aren't happy, nothing should happen on this land even while they're not there. STFU.

BlackBeak said:

This annoyed me so much when I read it.

Now they're trying to get the spotlight using the CRMA to say their views won't be considered because the projects will be fast tracked.

No. Your views were considered. And it was considered that fair concessions were made to the Sami while balancing Europe's needs for raw materials. And that was done before the CRMA. Multiple times. STFU.

And complaining about not having the resources to make their view heard. You've bloody well delayed this project enough having your views heard with every appeal. STFU.

So over the Sami. They won't think it's fair or that they've been heard until courts find in their favour 100%. There's no concession at all. They can't see that they've had their say many times and have been rejected, because outright banning mining is not feasible, and Talga is only mining half a year to allow their migratory routes to continue. But they aren't happy, nothing should happen on this land even while they're not there. STFU.

Click to expand...

I am even tired of pointing out that Talga's mining does not affect their routes and that the impact is minimal. They ignore their own maps and just shout all the louder.
It has long become a battle between North and South, as we can also see in politics. In the process, facts and the truth take a back seat or are ignored.
But what the heck, the law has been spoken and everyone has to abide by it.
If someone repeatedly and emphatically claims the wrong thing, it doesn't make it true.

Anyway, here again:

the blue dot in the right corner