Paper short abstract:

This paper focuses on the role of mining in shaping and re-configuring human - landscape relations in multispecies households. It analyzes how resource extraction modifies the ties formed between humans, animals, and spirits, or leads to the creation of new human - resource entanglements.

Paper long abstract:

This paper focuses on the role of extractive industries in shaping and re-configuring human - landscape relations in multispecies households. It centers on the case study of Veps in the Republic of Karelia (Northwestern Russia). Veps indigenous identity, connections to landscape, and relations with the state have been influenced by their historical and present engagement in the extraction of rare decorative stones: diabase and quartzite. The paper analyzes how multiple state interventions, economic and ideological changes, as well as close encounters with mining materials impacted Veps' perceptions of the landscape. It argues that mining development could be viewed beyond its disruptive influence on indigenous and local households. In Veps community, the development of resource extraction modified the ties formed between humans, animals, or spirits, or led to the creation of new entanglements between humans and subsurface resources. Therefore, the boost of extractive industries became embedded in the complex local perceptions of the multispecies landscape. The paper is based on participant observation and interviewing conducted in Karelia in 2015 - 2018, as well as newspaper and social media analysis.