Reindeer/Beowulf: miner horns in on migrating Lapland herds

For the Sámi, reindeer are for life, not just Christmas. The indigenous people of Fennoscandia have been herding the arctic ungulates for centuries, despite ever-growing competition from industrialised sectors.

Evidence is mounting that climate change poses an even greater threat to Rudolph’s relatives. Traditionally, herd sizes grow and shrink in 30-year cycles, but the decline seems to be speeding up. Warmer winters lead to more rainfall, which freezes over the lichen on which reindeer graze. Some herders are already having to supplement their animals’ diets with pellets to help get through the winter.

The melting of permafrost, which releases trapped greenhouse gases, also threatens to upset traditional feeding patterns as shrubs and other plants overtake lichen. Researchers are concerned that these flora are better evolved to fend off foraging animals, adding yet more pressure to reindeer herds looking for feed.

Concerns for the snowy cervids have galvanised resistance to Beowulf Mining, which aims to open an iron ore mine in northern Sweden. Locals fear the noise will disrupt migration trails between grazing grounds, making it even harder to keep animals well-fed. Campaigners, including Greta Thunberg, have also raised the history of historical injustices inflicted on the Sámi.

For London-headquartered Beowulf, the iron ore is a prize asset. Its high purity makes it ideal for “green steel”, part of a race to clean up an inherently dirty industry. Swedish green steel start-up H2 Green Steel raised $105mn in its first round of venture capital financing last year.

A report commissioned by Beowulf in 2017 estimated that the mine could provide as much as SKr63mn ($6.1mn) a year in tax. The miner has also met with reindeer herders and other locals recently.

The company’s namesake, late king of the Geats, was able to solve his problems with brawn, swordplay or a sharp tongue. He never had to balance the potential benefits of lucrative green steel with the impact on reindeer herders. The miner should consider how to support continuing scientific monitoring to truly gauge the impact of the mine. Otherwise, the reindeer of Sweden risk going the way of Grendel and his mother.

Should the Lapland’s reindeer be better protected from mining projects such as Beowulf’s? The Lex team is interested in hearing more from readers. Please tell us what you think in the comments section below