Geological exploration, mining, and processing of minerals are often carried out on the lands of indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North.
The inhabitants of these harsh areas preserve traditional ways of life, economic activities, and crafts. It is of benefit to these peoples and the global culture. The residents of the village of Tukhard on the Taimyr Peninsula are indigenous reindeer herders, the Nenets.
The residents of Tukhard, a small village on the Taimyr Peninsula, are Nenets, the indigenous reindeer herders of Russia’s far North. Geological exploration, mining, and the processing of minerals is often carried out on the lands of these peoples. Though small in number, the inhabitants of these harsh lands preserve traditional ways of life, economic activities, and crafts, and this isn’t just for their benefit, but the world’s.
The residents of Tukhard, a small village on the Taimyr Peninsula, are Nenets, the indigenous reindeer herders of Russia’s far North. Geological exploration, mining, and the processing of minerals is often carried out on the lands of these peoples. Though small in number, the inhabitants of these harsh lands preserve traditional ways of life, economic activities, and crafts, and this isn’t just for their benefit, but the world’s.
Industrial development can threaten the ethnic identity of local communities, and sometimes even the safety of these people. Nornickel, together with the residents of Tukhard, found an optimal solution for the potentially controversial issue of resettlement.
Built in the wrong place
The village is located on Taimyr, some 250 kilometers from Norilsk. Traditionally, this land belonged to the Nenets. In the mid-1960s, Norilskgazprom began developing the Messoyakha gas field and commenced building a gas pipeline.
Extraction workers and builders needed a transit base, which eventually grew into a small camp for rotational staff. Members of the indigenous population settled here too. Today there are around 100 houses in the village, where approximately one thousand people live.
According to the current regulations, Tukhard is illegal: the village is located in the buffer zone of the production site, where people are not allowed to settle. Most of the houses and infrastructure facilities in the village are dilapidated. That is why, in 2017, Nornickel made the decision to relocate the residents.
Shared geography
Initially, a site for a new village was chosen without considering the opinions of the local community, one and a half kilometers away from Tukhard. Not everyone liked this choice. Moreover, there were complaints about the quality of construction that started in the new location. Some people were simply unwilling to move.
To respect residents’ wishes and help them reach agreement and take an informed resettlement decision, Nornickel started a consultation process known as FPIC.
Built in the wrong place
The village is located on Taimyr, some 250 kilometers from Norilsk. Traditionally, this land belonged to the Nenets. In the mid-1960s, Norilskgazprom began developing the Messoyakha gas field and commenced building a gas pipeline.
Extraction workers and builders needed a transit base, which eventually grew into a small camp for rotational staff. Members of the indigenous population settled here too. Today there are around 100 houses in the village, where approximately one thousand people live.
According to the current regulations, Tukhard is illegal: the village is located in the buffer zone of the production site, where people are not allowed to settle. Most of the houses and infrastructure facilities in the village are dilapidated. That is why, in 2017, Nornickel made the decision to relocate the residents.
Shared geography
Initially, a site for a new village was chosen without considering the opinions of the local community, one and a half kilometers away from Tukhard. Not everyone liked this choice. Moreover, there were complaints about the quality of construction that started in the new location. Some people were simply unwilling to move.
To respect residents’ wishes and help them reach agreement and take an informed resettlement decision, Nornickel started a consultation process known as FPIC.
FPIC stands for free, prior, and informed consent. The UN requires such consent before implementing any projects that affect indigenous peoples. The FPIC process ensures the equitable participation of local communities in the decision making process. This approach facilitates balanced decisions, which consider the interests of all stakeholders.
Fundamental principles of FPIC:
- Free decision-making — there is no manipulation or coercion;
- Prior consultations — local residents have sufficient time to consider all relevant information;
- Awareness — people receive complete and accurate information about their rights, the project, and its alternatives;
- Inclusion — all population groups, including the most vulnerable populations, are involved in the process.
Nornickel was the first company in Russia to obtain FPIC from indigenous people. It took five months. During this time, company representatives and lawyers launched a community study, conducted several consultation sessions, talked to all residents of Tukhard, and, in cooperation with them, chose a location for the future village and planned its infrastructure.
During the discussions, it became clear that a new location not far from Tukhard, chosen collectively, was the best option. People who work at the Norilsktransgaz facilities will have an easy commute to work. Proximity to the electricity and gas infrastructure will help maintain competitive utility rates.
People will still have access to the hospital and helipad in the old village. The new village will have spacious housing for 600 people, utility systems, roads and piers, a school, a kindergarten, shops, a hotel for reindeer herders, a landscaped esplanade and a central square, community and sports centers, playgrounds and sports grounds equipped with windscreens. The new village is being designed by Wowhaus Architecture Bureau.
Construction will pay attention to the climate pattern, landscape features, and changes in permafrost. Thanks to the curved layout, the streets will be protected from the wind. The main public areas can be reached within five minutes.
The final plan of the village will be presented in the autumn of 2023. Nornickel will provide full funding for the construction project. The new village is expected to be built by 2026.
Project implementation is being monitored by the Council of Representatives of Tukhard pursuant to the Agreement on Free, Prior and Informed Consent to the Tukhard Resettlement and Development Program. The Agreement was signed by the residents and Norilsktransgaz in March 2022.
The Council participates in all stages of the program. If the Agreement is breached, the residents have the right to revise the terms.
During the discussions, it became clear that a new location not far from Tukhard, chosen collectively, was the best option. People who work at the Norilsktransgaz facilities will have an easy commute to work. Proximity to the electricity and gas infrastructure will help maintain competitive utility rates.
People will still have access to the hospital and helipad in the old village. The new village will have spacious housing for 600 people, utility systems, roads and piers, a school, a kindergarten, shops, a hotel for reindeer herders, a landscaped esplanade and a central square, community and sports centers, playgrounds and sports grounds equipped with windscreens. The new village is being designed by Wowhaus Architecture Bureau.
Construction will pay attention to the climate pattern, landscape features, and changes in permafrost. Thanks to the curved layout, the streets will be protected from the wind. The main public areas can be reached within five minutes.
The final plan of the village will be presented in the autumn of 2023. Nornickel will provide full funding for the construction project. The new village is expected to be built by 2026.
Project implementation is being monitored by the Council of Representatives of Tukhard pursuant to the Agreement on Free, Prior and Informed Consent to the Tukhard Resettlement and Development Program. The Agreement was signed by the residents and Norilsktransgaz in March 2022.
The Council participates in all stages of the program. If the Agreement is breached, the residents have the right to revise the terms.
ANDREY GRACHYOV,
Nornickel Vice President for Federal and Regional Programs:
“Nornickel respects the cultural traditions of the indigenous peoples of Taimyr. The company builds its community relationships on friendship and mutual support. The Tukhard FPIC procedure was carried out in accordance with the most stringent international standards and involved independent experts from the UN and the World Bank.”
August, 2023
