Health impact assessment of a mining project in Swedish Sápmi: lessons learned

Whereas assessing health is a mandatory feature of environmental impact assessments (EIAs) in Sweden, impacts are often vaguely described, making their preventive role meaningless. In 2006, mine was planned the reindeer grazing lands Sámi community northern Sweden. While an EIA conducted 2013, superficially addressed. The aim this study to describe and reflect on assessment (HIA) process that assessed potential risks and/or benefits establishment could bring community.The classic five steps HIA presented. literature review showed scarcity studies regarding mining indigenous territories. Participants were currently experiencing negative psychosocial effects described adverse social originating from loss traditional way life.Despite certain challenges, proved it possible conduct comprehensive context research. Given Sweden occurs mostly territory found study, lack HIAs projects raises serious concerns.