Latest post on local Facebook page and translation below from the demonstration link:
On Saturday, September 16th, people from all over the country, Sápmi and the international community, will gather at Sergel's Square in Stockholm for a joint standing demonstration against the mining rage that is now sweeping the country and the world.We are convinced that the climate crisis cannot be solved by opening new mines everywhere that destroy valuable water resources and sensitive ecosystems.- Intact ecosystems contribute climate services!Now we join hands with more than 30 environmental, cultural and human rights organizations in Sweden, plus internationally active environmental organizations and networks and do common cause to protect our water, our nature, our culture, the animals and the future of our children and grandchildren on this the planet!Now it's serious!
The EU Commission has submitted a new bill to the European Parliament which is currently being processed: the EU Critical Raw Materials Act. In the bill there is a section that deals with companies being able to apply to be included on a list of so-called critical projects (over riding public interest). If the companies are on that list, they can get exemptions from the EU's own environmental protection laws and a significantly faster permit process (24 months from application to permit), help with financing, etc. As the proposal stands right now, it also means that even if environmental impact investigations show that the operation can have a major negative impact on the water, the environment, human and animal health, the companies can still get a permit! The government has proposed changes to the legislation to speed up permit applications for mines.Concerns are now increasing about how we will be able to protect our water and nature, culture and human and animal health if the bill passes.Sweden is seen as an ideal place to start and operate new mines in, citing "our strict environmental legislation", while doing everything possible to weaken this very important legislation.We have found ourselves in an unsustainable situation, where the mining industry's lobbying organizations have gained far too much power over our legislators.That's enough!Come to Sergel's square on September 16th and show that there are many of us who put our feet down - for Clean Water - Solid Land - A Living Cultural Heritage - Solidarity and Justice!
(20min delay)