Affective approaches: Rethinking emotions in resource extraction

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingBook chapterResearchpeer-review

Mining relies on the mobilization of emotions but also fosters them. Potentiality, hope, excitement, shame, anger, concern, and despair are emotions that are activated when mining is on the agenda. Acknowledging affects and emotions as an essential social driver within planning, advocating, modifying, or banning industrial resource extraction, the chapter focuses on the consultation process in Narsaq, South Greenland for a mining project at the Kuannersuit Plateau pursued by Greenland Minerals. With this study we go beyond the created boundaries of the participatory space and study which voices, atmosphere, and understanding of time are made possible within the apparatus of the presented mining project. In this case the atmosphere of peace and good governance promoted by the organizers of the hearing aimed to instill a feeling of trust and belief in a future for Narsaq based on the mining project. However, insecurity, anger, and lack of trust prevailed among the audience. The meeting ended in frustration and lack of communication. The conclusion identifies points of attention that stakeholders should be aware of and take seriously in order to meet the ideal of ‘best practice’.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationResource extraction and Arctic communities : The new extractivist paradigm
EditorsSverker Sörlin
Place of PublicationCambridge
PublisherCambridge University Press
Publication date2022
Pages145-165
ISBN (Print)9781009100236
ISBN (Electronic)9781009110044
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

ID: 328260517