Difference between revisions of "Ranua Uranium Exploration Action"

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== Media Coverage ==
 
== Media Coverage ==
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* [http://www.iltasanomat.fi/uutiset/kotimaa/uutinen.asp?id=1731307 Uraanikaivoksen vastustajat laittoivat leirin pystyyn] ''(September 5th, 2009)'' <small><small>Finnish</small></small>
 
* [http://www.lapinkansa.fi/cs/Satellite/Lappi/1194625786834/artikkeli/uraanihankkeen+vastustajat+leirilla+ranuan+metsassa.html Uraanihankkeen vastustajat leirillä Ranuan metsässä] ''(September 11th, 2009)'' <small><small>Finnish</small></small>
 
* [http://www.lapinkansa.fi/cs/Satellite/Lappi/1194625786834/artikkeli/uraanihankkeen+vastustajat+leirilla+ranuan+metsassa.html Uraanihankkeen vastustajat leirillä Ranuan metsässä] ''(September 11th, 2009)'' <small><small>Finnish</small></small>
 
* [http://www.indymedia.nl/nl/2009/08/61281.shtml Indymedia Netherlands: occupationcamp lapland] ''(August 31th, 2009)'' <small><small>English</small></small>
 
* [http://www.indymedia.nl/nl/2009/08/61281.shtml Indymedia Netherlands: occupationcamp lapland] ''(August 31th, 2009)'' <small><small>English</small></small>

Revision as of 16:48, 17 September 2009

Landscape by Ranua
Another landscape impression
Banner in Magdeburg (D) on Ranua Action Day
The Same Banner Welcoming The Gorleben Treck in Morsleben
Mobile Info Table With Post Box For Protest Against Uranium Mining in Ranua
Areva Test Drilling in Ranua/Finland
Landscape by Ranua in Danger by Areva Drilling For Uranium
Areva Uranium Drilling Area in Ranua
Drilling Mark by Areva Searching For Uranium
Uranium Drilling Area
Areva's Drilling Mark
Endangered Area by Areva's Uranium Mining Plans
Another View to The Landscape
Finnish-German Banner in Magdeburg (D)
Activists distributing flyers on Ranua Action Day
Caution Sign Marking A Symbolic Uranium Mining Area
"Certificate" Distributed By A Pseudo Nuclear Lobbyist
Uranium Mining Exhibition at Ranua Action Day in Magdeburg
RanuaDayMD Exhibition2.jpg
RanuaDayMD Exhibition3.jpg
RanuaDayMD Exhibition4.jpg
RanuaDayMD Exhibition5.jpg
Caution Sign Marking A Symbolic Uranium Mining Area
Information Table in Magdeburg
RanuaDayMD InfoTable2.jpg
RanuaDayMD InfoTable3.jpg
RanuaDayMD InfoTable4.jpg
Symbolic Uranium Mine at Ranua Action Day in Magdeburg
RanuaDayMD Mine2.jpg
A Faked Nuclear Lobbyist Distributing Certificates at Ranua Action Day
RanuaDayMD NuclearLobbyist2.jpg
Post Box For Creative Protest Postcards
Passers-by Writing Creative Protest Messages
Creative Protest Postcards to Be Sent to The Responsible Finnish Ministry
  • Press conference about the Ranua Rescue Action Camp on September 21th, 2009 at 12pm at the camp in Ranua
  • Movie night ("Area 32") about uranium mining on September 21st, 2009 at 6 pm in Ranua
    • The film Area 32 is about the fight against uranium mining in Askola, south of Finland. The people won the fight in 2007.
  • Film and info-night on September 30th, 2009 in Turku. "Uranium - is it a country" will be shown and info about Ranua
  • Public meeting with critical experts on October 12th-13th, 2009 in Ranua
  • (official side) Exclusive (!) info night for the members of the municipality council on October 14th, 2009 in order to help them to vote about the uranium prospecting. There will be representatives from the Lapland environmental centre, STUK, TEM, 'Lapps against nuclear power' and Areva.
  • "Nuclear Halloween" - street party and carneval probably with a support gig for the Ranua Rescue project on October 31st, 2009 in Helsinki
  • Camp near Ranua was set up on August 26th, 2009 to observe Areva's Uranium mining activities; actions took place on August 13th, 2009 against Uranium exploration in Ranua


Ranua Rescue is a campaign opposing nuclear power company AREVA's plans to prospect and mine uranium is Ranua, a municipality in southern Lapland, Finland. With the campaign we want to stop the uranium prospecting and bring attention to this less known but even more destructive side of nuclear power.
Ranua Rescue is independent from political parties and NGO's, not committed to any special political ideology or religion. The participants agree that there should not be any uranium mines in Ranua or anywhere else. An uranium mine leaves the nature devastated for forever, seriously threatens the health of local inhabitants and destroys many other sources of living. The Ranua Rescue campaigners can have disagreements about other political questions and world views.
Marketing political parties or other organizations is not allowed within the campaign. As an international campaign we want to highlight that we don't oppose AREVA only because from Finnish point of view it is a foreign (French) company. The damages uranium mines cause are of the similar type not depending of the nationality of the company, country or the people.
Tens of people from all around Finland and several other countries have taken interest of the campaign as there is people all around the world fighting the same problems and even the same company.
We in Ranua Rescue campaign accept non-violent civil disobedience as means to protect the people and the nature in situations when law doesn't protect them.












Latest News

September 9th, 2009
Great news is that the forest camp to monitor and resist uranium mining in Finnish Lapland is growing stronger! See http://www.nuclearfreefinland.org and look for the RRAMM links.
Connection with local resistance is perhaps the strongest part of our campaign. To assist their struggle, we have been asked to help with a Public Meeting regarding uranium mining. On October 12 - 14. The local government council will have a CLOSED meeting to listen to (probably pro nuke specialists with AREVA) and decide to give or not to give prospecting permission. "Our" meeting would be to inform the public about the dangers of uranium mining, while also exposing the dangers of "closed door democracy".


September 6th, 2009
After 12 days of glorious rain and sunshine we are still firmly in place in Ranua Rescue Areva Mining Monitor Camp.
The longer we stay the stronger the feeling grows that this beautiful land needs protected, and that the great people here need support.
Unfortunately, we now REALLY need your support!!! We need PEOPLE and a VAN/PICK-UP TRUCK/CAR (or money to get one) MOST URGENTLY if this is to continue….
In a postive way, there were 14 of us at the camp last night (2 dogs and 3 kids included)! So very nice to have people. Energy and ideas flowing! However there are NOT enough people to stay here - especially during the week days - now only 2 of us for the next week - more will come later.
This means we are now very restricted in our ability to do local outreach - and is not good as the camp becomes more public due to potential security risks.
With more people here we can also be more effective building connections with local communities, spreading information, planning together for the October 12-14 Public Meeting….
If You have been wondering when is a good time to get active, come here NOW, if you cant, donate some money, a vehicle, time or stuff, spread the word - check the wish list on: http://www.nuclearfreefinland.org


August 31th, 2009
On August 26 a basecamp has been established for the Ranua Rescue Areva Mining Monitors. During the Lapland Nuclear Climate Camp in July we learned from locals that Areva has already began their uranium prospecting in Ranua, Lapland. We have come here to monitor Areva's activities and help support the resistance to uranium mining here, and everywhere.
We have found a beautiful location for the camp, near a lake, within an old forest, on the edge of Areva's massive prospecting claim area. We need thoughtful, respectful people, skills, supplies, support, laughter, and dedication!
You can check the http://www.nuclearfreefinland.org site, and the blog on http://www.ranuarescue.blogspot.com.
Soon we will be sending photos and directions to get here, we will also set up a schedule for when people are most needed, what is needed, and what events will be happening.
When you want to come to the camp, contact in advance (camp (at) nuclearfreefinland.org) and tell of your arrival time in Ranua. From there you can phone the camp work phone number +358 40 365 2041.[1]


August 28th, 2009
Municipal government in Ranua, south of Finnish Lapland, 3rd of August 2009 voted yes for the company Areva Resouces Finland Oy plans for prospecting uranium in the municipality - without consulting the municipal board. Now 11 of the municipal board members are trying to get the decision to the board for it to give it's stance. Most of the board members belong to the Central Party of Finland which is very popular in the Finnish countryside. The Party's policy has been very positive towards nuclear energy and uranium mining despite nuclear industry's devastating effects to the environment. Now it's very important to urge especially the board member's belonging to the Central Party to vote NO for uranium mining!
More info in the model letter below.
Contact info of municipal board members (KESK=The Central Party): http://www.ranua.fi/?Deptid=18543[2]


August 27th, 2009
Today they had Ranua council and they have decided that they will vote for their decision about Arevas claim application. But they are having lack of hope that it would matter. But they are enought brave to say that they have their right to say what they think.
In away that is true: their decision and opposition is only symbolic; Ministry is making the final desicion and as far as they had made those desicions before, it has never cared if there is even strong opposition in municipality. That is according to the law.
We don`t have yet the date when they will vote, but it must be before 30th of this month.[3]


August 13th, 2009
Areva is having a break in Ranua, until TEM makes the decision. "We have done the things we are allowed to within the legal limits, and now we have to wait" says Tapani Hyysalo, the operative manager. The company will no make new diggings, but will fill the holes they've made so far.[4]

...looks like they started to feel the pressure...


Support the Resistance Against Uranium Mining!

Currently a steady flow of thoughtful respectful people is needed to support the Camp in Ranua - you can make it clear with the people in Ranua at phone number +358 40 365 2041.

  • we need PEOPLE for the camp:
    • Musicians
    • climbers
    • mechanics
    • carpenters
    • bakers
    • sponsors
    • solicitors
    • nature-lovers
    • and everyone else too!

And there are many things needed - maybe you can donate some materials:

  • CLOTHES:
    • rubber boots
    • socks
    • warm clothes
    • rain gear
    • gloves
    • long underware
  • CAMPING:
    • axes
    • (rechargeable) batteries (size AA and AAA)
    • blankets
    • bowsaws
    • building materials
      • 2x4s
      • plywood (vaneri)
      • clay
      • strawbales
      • mesh to build mushroom driers
    • burners
    • candles
    • cooking pans
    • cutlery
    • food
    • first aid
    • gas for cooking
    • generators
    • hammocks
    • lanterns
    • plastic sheets
    • shovels and other tools
    • winter sleeping bags
    • tarpaulin (pressu)
    • torches and head torches
    • phones
    • tents
    • thermos flasks
    • water containers
  • TRANSPORT:
    • bikes
    • cars
    • vans
    • mopeds
    • and tools to keep them going
  • OFFICE:
    • computers
    • pens and pencils
    • cameras
    • video cameras
    • cassettes
    • and any office stuff.

You can also donate money. Until there is a special bank account for the Ranua Rescue group you should use the Nuclear Heritage Network bank account.



Camp Set Up in Ranua to Monitor Areva's Mining Activities

We can't trust Areva or the authorities. All their information is really contradictional. First both Areva and the environmental authorities said clearly: Areva doesn't and can't start the deep drilling before they get the claim. Areva has announced several times that they stop working because there is nothing they could legally do before the ministry's permission=claim.

BUT: there are at least two holes, and an expert said after seeing a foto that those looks like drilling holes. No-one knows how deep those are, as Kaipainen from Areva says they haven't drill anything. The chief of the environment protection from "Lapplands enviroment center" didn't know anything about the holes (with white, sweating face), but wanted to have the fotos and after all said that AREVA IS ALLOUD TO DO DEEP DRILLING BY THE PERMISSION OF THE LAND OWNER, and there is nothing they can do unless they could proof that it would harm the environment seriouly, just maybe is not enough. The boss of areva says they are not doing anything because they can't, but at the same time they said at their web page that they can start drilling by the land owners permission.

So we see that there needs to be observators. Ready to film whatever happens there, and call more people if they try to start drilling. Hopefully not, if they know it wouldn't stay hidden. But if they would be that stupied, we would be ready to act, and the show would really start.

The idea is that the camp would stay there as long as needed, means over the winter. Some people may visit one night, some longer. There are already tents with "fireplace", and the idea is to build the camp so that it would be possible, even nice, to be there at winter time as well (personally waiting for the northern lights..)

One point is, that Ranua council will after all vote for their opinion about the mining soon. Starting the camp just when they vote can be the best timing ever! Even if their "no" wouldnt save the situation, just make it a little bit better.


Actions on Ranua Rescue Action Day

  • Finland:
    • Helsinki (rally will start at 3 pm from Kolmen Sepän patsas - the statue of 3 blacksmiths near Stockmann's)
    • Tampere (rally will start at 12 pm from the Central Square)
  • Germany:
    • Berlin (images)
    • Magdeburg (action will start at 4 pm in front of the main railway station) Press Release


Stop Uranium Prospecting at Ranua - International Action Day 13th of August

In Ranua - a municipality located in Lapland, Finland - the soil and groundwater are in danger of being contaminated by uranium prospecting.

Let Areva and the municipality's pro-uranium mining politicians know that they are being observed all around the world!

An uranium mine in Lapland would lead to all the people who now get their livelihood from berry or mushroom picking, collecting wild plants, reindeer herding, fishing or agriculture to lose their source of income. Mining and radioactive waste in the vulnerable northern nature would also destroy Europe's largest remaining wilderness areas for forever. In many countries people and companies are watching Finnish policy on nuclear energy and uranium mining to see if it starts a new trend on nuclear energy. So this is not only a local issue but important to all the people in Finland and other parts of Europe/world!

One action possibility:

Send an email, call or fax the council members (see list below this message). Write or call to one or more (or all!) municipality board members. You can do it in English or your own language (if not in Finnish or Swedish). Tell them that you are worried about the situation. Urge them to say NO to uranium prospecting.

Add at least one reason why you think they should not allow uranium prospecting in the area (for help with your letter/mail/call see the text "more info" below). You are welcome to also BCC your emails to ranuarescue AT gmail.com[5].

Ranua municipal government office open hours:
Mon-Fri 0800-15.30
Tel. +358 40-867 0200, fax +358 16 354 160
Mon-Fri 0800-1100, 11.30-15.30

ALL EMAILS in a row:

Kimmo.Sarapaa@ranua.fi, Mirva.Salmela@ranua.fi, Paivio.karttunen1@luukku.com, keijo.ruonala@osao.fi, Jaanahosio@wippies.fi, Veijo.Illikainen@pp.inet.fi, Kaisa.Illikainen-Niemela@alko.fi, Eila.Impio@pp.inet.fi, Tarja.Impio@ranua.fi, Tuula.Karjalainen@pp.inet.fi, u.karttunen@hotmail.com, rkuoksa@hotmail.com, Hannu.Kuukasjarvi@pp.inet.fi, Jouni.Lohi@hotmail.com, hannuniemin@pp.inet.fi, Matti.Nikula2@pp.inet.fi, sotka34@hotmail.com, ismo.petajajarvi@gmail.com, Kirsi.Saaranen@luukku.com, Tapio.Saukko@paliskunnat.fi, pitopalvelu.simontaival@pp.inet.fi, Matti.Simontaival@pp.inet.fi, Toivo.Saaskilahti@luukku.com, Viola.Tarujarvi@pp.inet.fi, Tuomas.Vanhala@roiakk.fi, Lauri.Vaarala@ranuanautokoulu.fi, Anna-Maija.Osterberg@ranua.fi, kirjaamo@ranua.fi

There is also an example for a protest text.


Kunnanjohtaja/Municipal Manager
Kimmo Sarapää
Tel. +358 400-395235
email: Kimmo.Sarapaa@ranua.fi

Ranuan valtuusto/Council 2009 – 2012

(KESK means Centre party, which has made a group decision to support prospecting. Their members shouldn't speak openly or vote against it, even if they wanted to. They especially should be informed about the consequences of prospecting!)

Salmela Mirva, chair, KESK
Tel: +358 40 522 7614
email: Mirva.Salmela@ranua.fi

Karttunen Päiviö, 1st vice chair, KESK
Pihlajatie 2, 97700 Ranua
tel: +358 40 576 8486
Sähköposti: Paivio.karttunen1@luukku.com

Ruonala Keijo, 2nd vice chair, SDP
Laurintie 4 A 8, 97700 Ranua
tel: +358 400 820 988
email: keijo.ruonala@osao.fi

Hosio Jaana, KESK
Rynkänpuolentie 3, 97700 Ranua
tel: +358 40 747 7289
email: Jaanahosio@wippies.fi

Illikainen Veijo, KESK
Kirkkotiensuu 4, 97700 Ranua
tel: +358 40 184 9289
email: Veijo.Illikainen@pp.inet.fi

Illikainen-Niemelä Kaisa, SDP
Laurintie 4 as 7, 97700 Ranua
tel: +358 40 822 0923
email: Kaisa.Illikainen-Niemela@alko.fi

Impiö Eila, KOK
Kuusitie 4, 97700 Ranua
tel: +358 400 893 556
email: Eila.Impio@pp.inet.fi

Impiö Tarja, KESK
Mursuahontie 6, 97765 Impiö
email: Tarja.Impio@ranua.fi

Karjalainen Tuula, SDP
Paavonahontie 5, 97700 Ranua
tel: +358 40 770 0327
Tuula.Karjalainen@pp.inet.fi

Karttunen Ulla, KESK
Kirkkotie 53, 97700 Ranua
tel: +358 50 539 7453
email: u.karttunen@hotmail.com

Kuoksa Rauno, Parempi Ranua -ryhmän yhteislista
Pudasjärventie 236, 97700 Ranua
tel: +358 500 599 800
email: rkuoksa@hotmail.com

Kuukasjärvi Hannu, KESK
Simojärventie 146, 97700 Ranua
tel: +358 40 721 3896
email: Hannu.Kuukasjarvi@pp.inet.fi

Lohi Jouni, KESK
Kuukassalmentie 4, 97780 Kuukasjärvi
tel: +358 44 266 0880
email: Jouni.Lohi@hotmail.com

Nieminen Hannu, Parempi Ranua -ryhmän yhteislista
Pekkalantie 509, 97665 Pohjasperä
tel: +358 40 737 1986
email: hannuniemin@pp.inet.fi

Nikula Matti, Parempi Ranua -ryhmän yhteislista
Kataja-ahontie 2 B, 97700 Ranua
tel: +358 40 564 9726
email: Matti.Nikula2@pp.inet.fi

Pernu Jouko, Parempi Ranua -ryhmän yhteislista
Peurantie 7-9 A 1, 97700 Ranua
tel: +358 44 083 0213
email: sotka34@hotmail.com

Petäjäjärvi Ismo, KESK
Kettuharjuntie 2, 97665 Pohjasperä
tel: +358 40 592 5086
email: ismo.petajajarvi@gmail.com

Saaranen Kirsi, KESK
Simontie 185, 97715 Raiskio
tel: +358 400 859 565
email: Kirsi.Saaranen@luukku.com

Saukko Tapio, KESK
Toljantie 178, 97700 Ranua
tel: +358 400 185 904
email: Tapio.Saukko@paliskunnat.fi

Simontaival Jouko, KESK
Peurajärventie 43 A, 97700 Ranua
tel: +358 400 169 475
email: pitopalvelu.simontaival@pp.inet.fi

Simontaival Matti, Parempi Ranua -ryhmän yhteislista
Toljantie 63, 97700 Ranua
tel: +358 400 698 835
email: Matti.Simontaival@pp.inet.fi

Sääskilahti Reijo, KESK
Posiontie 342, 97760 Saariharju
tel: +358 400 398 995

Sääskilahti Toivo, KESK
Ruonanpirtintie 6, 97715 Raiskio
tel: +358 400 968 249
email: Toivo.Saaskilahti@luukku.com

Tarujärvi Viola, KESK
Simojoentie 9, 97715 Raiskio
tel: +358 40 534 7929
email: Viola.Tarujarvi@pp.inet.fi

Vanhala Tuomas, KESK
Kirkkotie 25, 97700 Ranua
tel: +358 400 698 159
email: Tuomas.Vanhala@roiakk.fi

Väärälä Lauri, KOK
Tuomaantie 1 G, 97700 Ranua
tel: +358 400 393 923
email: Lauri.Vaarala@ranuanautokoulu.fi

Österberg Anna-Maija, KESK
Kirkkotie 57, 97700 Ranua
tel: +358 40 562 5237
email: Anna-Maija.Osterberg@ranua.fi

Ranua municipality
Aapiskuja 6 B
97700 RANUA
http://www.ranua.fi
email: kirjaamo@ranua.fi


Emailing them is just one small thing: but there is MORE you can do to stop the uranium pollution in Lapland. Stay tuned for more info...

More information about the situation in Ranua:

On the 1st September 2008, Areva Resources Finland Oy submitted their application for a mining claim in the area of Asentolamminoja, on the border between the Ranua and Rovaniemi municipalities, to the Ministry of Employment and Economy. Before any decision or approval of the application, the company started digging in preparation of test drilling in November 2008 in the southern end of the area, at Isokangas, with the permission of the land owner.

In August 2009, the municipal board of Ranua gave their supporting stance on the mining project. Local people opposing the mining fear that Areva will start the test drilling when they want. According to law, the company should wait for the claim approval from the Ministry of Employment and Economy.

On the claim area there are several marshes and small waters that are connected to the groundwater reserves. The area is part of the watershed of the Simo river (i.e. the water flows to the river), which is designated as a NATURA2000 area. If the claim goes ahead, there would be in total over 10 kilometres of drillings and they would extend below the level of the groundwater reserves. If radioactive ore gets in contact with the water, the consequences are likely to be fatal both for the area's groundwater and for the Simo river.

The Geological SurveyCentre of Finland, who is participating in the prospecting, denies the existence of the risk, despite the fact that spoiling of the groundwater has often been a direct consequence of uranium prospecting elsewhere.

Around the world, uranium mining has resulted in extreme environmental destruction. In Europe it has been abolished precisely because of environmental problems. AREVA, the company active in Ranua, is responsible for, among other things, enormous environmental destruction in their mining regions in Niger, and in France for the algae-based processing of mining tailings (i.e. leftover rock & sediment), which created a public scandal. In Finland, AREVA is also building the new (EPR) reactor in Olkiluoto, which has turned into a fiasco.

Ranua-based activists have tried to inform the decision-makers and municipal inhabitants about the problems of uranium mining. They have collected names for a ban on uranium mining at different events, written to regional papers and arranged informational events, among other things. However, a local civil movement has quite limited power of influence, when put against the massive lobbying machine of the uranium power industry, and the state's energy policies, that favour mining in northern Finland.

The "No Uranium Power!" camp in Tervola, in July 2009, was visited by people from Ranua opposed to the mining, who asked for support from the anti-nuclear movement. In the workshop that followed the visit, people wanted to start broad nationwide and international activity in support of the people from Ranua. In this situation of emergency, all available methods should be used to stop the project. We call everyone concerned by the issue to act!

Ranua Rescue group
ranuarescue AT gmail.com[5]


Information Materials


Press Releases


Media Coverage


Other Webpages on Ranua Uranium Topic



  1. ↑ http://www.nuclearfreefinland.org/en/ranua-rescue-areva-mining-monitors-rramm, August 31th, 2009
  2. ↑ http://www.ranuarescue.blogspot.com/, August 29th, 2009
  3. ↑ http://www.ranuarescue.blogspot.com/, August 29th, 2009
  4. ↑ http://yle.fi/alueet/lappi/2009/08/arevalla_tauko_ranualla_916981.html?origin=rss, August 12th, 2009
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 For protection against automatical email address robots searching for addresses to send spam to them this email address has been made unreadable for them. To get a correct mail address you have to displace "AT" by the @-symbol.

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