När marken blir värdefull. En intervjustudie med lokala perspektiv på uranbrytningen i Vilhelmina kommun

Sammanfattning

In recent years, geopolitical shifts and the green transition have increased Europe's andSweden's focus on critical raw minerals and reduced dependency on imports. This hasstrengthened the interest in domestic extraction, particularly in northern Sweden, whileraising questions about balancing resource demand with environmental protection, localinterest and long term sustainable development.These global processes have become part of a local conflict surrounding the possibility ofuranium extraction in alum shale. While some view mining as an opportunity foreconomic and regional development, others see it as a threat against nature, locallivelihoods and the future for their communities. This study examines how local residentsin Vilhelmina perceive the potential uranium extraction in alum shale. The purpose ofthis study is to investigate local perspectives on sustainability, justice, identity andhistorical power structures in northern Sweden and Sápmi. It is based on a qualitativeresearch approach using semi-structured interviews. The empirical material was analyzedthrough a thematic analysis with an interpretative approach.Based on the theoretical framework and empirical results the uranium extraction isviewed as a threat to the environment, the local identity and the future generations.Previous research has mainly focused on indigenous Sámi perspectives and therelationship between mining and indigenous rights. This study contributes by examiningbroader local perspectives and highlights how questions of sustainability, justice andlocal self-determination are central to the debate surrounding uranium extraction innorthern Sweden.