In the Far East republic of Sakha (Yakutia), a small Indigenous community in the village of Tyanya is opposing a gold-mining giant owned by Russian magnate Alexei Mordashov in a bid to protect their traditional way of life. With concerns about deforestation, water pollution, and the impact of gold mining on reindeer-herding grounds, the residents are calling on President Vladimir Putin and the republic’s head to block Nordgold from developing a fourth mine in the area. Despite slim chances of success, the community feels they have no choice but to try given the existential stakes involved.
The Evenk people of Tyanya rely on traditional practices such as fishing, hunting, and reindeer herding to sustain themselves in a remote location with no paved roads or internet access. Nordgold’s expansion in the region with three existing mines has threatened the community’s way of life, with plans to develop a fourth mine. While the company claims to have positive relationships with the residents, there are longstanding tensions dating back to the arrest of community leader Arsentiy Nikolaev, who faced bribery and extortion charges brought by Nordgold before his death in 2021.
Despite claims of social and financial support programs by Nordgold, the company’s attempts to conceal its true impact on the Indigenous community have drawn criticism. Experts point to the importance of Indigenous land use practices in preserving the environment, but Nordgold’s practices in the region have raised concerns about pollution and environmental damage. The company’s response to the community’s opposition has included labeling signatories of the open letter as “foreign agents” and “extremists,” leading to outrage among the Evenk population.
The community’s loyalty to Putin and Russia’s support for the invasion of Ukraine have caused some to question whether the Indigenous struggle in Tyanya is worthy of support, especially given the close ties between Putin and Mordashov. However, experts emphasize the complex situation faced by the community, caught between state pressure and corporate interests. Despite the likelihood of the fourth mine being operational, the initiative to challenge Nordgold’s activities serves as a reminder that communities must advocate for their rights in the face of environmental destruction and neglect from authorities.
The residents of Tyanya, facing limited options and an uncertain future, are driven by a desire to protect their ancestral lands and preserve their traditional livelihoods despite the odds against them. Their efforts to raise awareness, seek support, and challenge the mining giant reflect a broader struggle for Indigenous rights and environmental preservation in the face of powerful economic interests. Ultimately, the community’s fight against Nordgold highlights the ongoing threats faced by Indigenous peoples around the world and the need for solidarity and advocacy in defending their rights and way of life.
