Phosphorite mining
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-10-09 16:09
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 12m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Today's seventh question addressed the potential for phosphate mining in the Aru-Lõuna quarry in Lääne-Virumaa. News on September 26th reported the start of phosphate test drilling, and a larger extraction of up to 25 tons of phosphate is planned for November, with the involvement of an international German company. The studies include drilling both small boreholes and boreholes with a diameter of up to 1.2 meters, with a depth that may reach up to 30 meters, and the purpose is not just to understand existing reserves, but also to consider mining directions. This is causing concern among the people that the mining studies may lead to decisions on two fronts: continuing the studies and initiating possible mining, which in turn would affect the environment and living environment.
The central debate seemed to be shaped by the question of whether a referendum should be implemented in the case of a decision of this significance, or whether decisions should continue to be made based on scientific assessments and national supervision. The Prime Minister emphasized that the Estonian Geological Service is leading and controlling the assessment of mineral resources and that by the end of 2025, the studies should indicate whether to continue or exclude parts of the area from research, and how to make decisions going forward. The opposition expressed concerns about democracy, transparency, and environmental impacts, and suggested considering involving the people through a referendum – but in the current stage, the government believes that the results of the studies should first be awaited and then decisions made based on a scientific assessment.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made under the scope of the seventh question; further steps and decision-making are linked to the results of geological surveys and, if necessary, with consideration of a referendum or additional consultation, in accordance with the long-term vision.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was pid ehjpLK1FIak; he represents the role of the state government (prime minister/government representative). Political position: other.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Riigikogu member Varro Vooglaid is asking Prime Minister Kristen Michal a question regarding the mining of phosphorite.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid called for a national referendum on phosphorite mining, emphasizing that test drilling and the intention to proceed with larger excavations could quickly escalate into full-scale mining, bringing with it serious environmental risks, and that the question of democratic participation can be resolved through a public vote.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said that the Estonian Geological Survey is leading the exploration and assessment of critical raw materials, and the results will be published by the end of 2025. These results will provide a basis for further decisions on whether to continue exploration or mining, and that the environment and people's living environment must be protected before any decisions are made.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The address expresses deep gratitude and requests a clarifying question from Varro Vooglaid.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid stressed that in a true democracy, the people should be able to decide for themselves on crucial matters of national life, noting that not a single referendum has been held in Estonia over the past 20 years. He then asked whether the people could decide on phosphorite mining through a referendum, and whether the primary beneficiary would be the Estonian people, rather than domestic or foreign corporations.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
If the assessment by geologists and scientists confirms that the reserves are viable, the Prime Minister recommends channeling the revenue into a future reserve and creating local jobs in Estonia related to value-added processing and research and development, ensuring that the benefits remain with the local population. Furthermore, the referendum must currently be set aside until the studies are finalized.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the previous speaker and asks Martin Helme to pose an additional question.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme asserted that the issue related to phosphorite is extremely critical, and the Reform Party’s intentions could inflict irreversible environmental and financial damage. Consequently, the referendum is highly important, and EKRE does not believe their promises.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The Prime Minister responded that the question suggested a concern about the way the mandate was requested. He noted that the decision to start mining had already been made, and that they needed to agree with their benchmate whether to actually request the mandate or simply begin the excavation. He concluded that the only rhetorical message conveyed by the question was animosity toward the Reform Party, which is the reason the questioner belongs to EKRE.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar concludes the consideration of today's seventh question.