Swedes Protest Uranium Mining on the Kalix River
On Saturday evening, a demonstration against uranium mining was held in Kalix.
Just like in several other parts of the country, uranium mining has become an election issue in Kalix municipality. This after the Riksdag lifted the ban on uranium mining and removed the municipal veto.
The municipalities’ ability to say no to uranium mining—the so-called right of veto—disappeared through a Riksdag decision in June.
Two exploration permits have since been granted in Kalix. The Social Democrats, as the largest party, have taken a clear position on the issue.
“Kalix is not for sale. We are very clear that we do not want test drilling, exploration or a uranium mine at the Kalix River, which is a national river and a Natura 2000 area,” says municipal councilor Susanne Andersson (S) to SVT Norrbotten.
Torchlight Procession on Saturday Evening
Up to 200 people gathered on Saturday in Kalix to demonstrate against uranium exploration and a possible uranium mine in the area.
Behind the event was the newly formed, politically unaffiliated citizens’ group No to Uranium Mining in Kalix, which chose to hold the demonstration on National River Day.
“Our national river is threatened by a uranium mine and exploration,” says Åsa Andersson Ulvede from the organizing group.
The program included speeches, music and cultural events with local musicians and poets. Representatives from, among others, Älvräddarna, the Kalix River Economic Association and the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation participated.
In the evening, the demonstration ended with a torchlight procession along the river. A boat brought the fire that was used to light the participants’ torches before the procession crossed the Vassholmen bridge to Vassholmen.
Among the announced speakers were municipal councilor Susanne Andersson and archaeologist Lena Lagerström. Former Green Party spokesperson and minister Peter Eriksson was also supposed to participate, but was unable to attend due to illness.
After the demonstration, Åsa Andersson Ulvede describes the atmosphere as hopeful. “It feels like we are really united. You can see that people want to save our nature and our river. It is something that unites us,” she says.
The group now plans to continue working on information materials, build a website and recruit more committed people.
“We are set for a marathon and not a sprint. This is a long-term issue that we will probably have to work on for several years,” says Åsa Andersson Ulvede.
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