“Our consent was taken for granted”

• Main Authors: Loginova, Julia, Wilson, Emma
• Other Authors: Rachael Lorna Johnstone, Anne Merrild Hansen
• Format: Book Part
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 2020
• Subjects: Usinsk; Izhma; Pechora; ural mountains
• Online Access: https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:55a4ce3

The Pechora River valley lies to the west of the Ural Mountains in the Komi Republic in northern Russia. The Komi people of this region have increasingly been contesting the way that oil extraction takes place in the north of the republic, namely in Izhma and Usinsk districts. Lacking legal protection of their rights as indigenous people from the Russian government, one of their concerns includes the lack of involvement in decision-making about oil projects that affect them. This chapter illustrates the experiences of northern Komi communities regarding consultation and engagement prior to industrial activities carried out close to the communities and the areas that they depend on for their livelihoods. The Russian oil company Lukoil-Komi has been at the heart of the issues we discuss, and it is the only oil company currently operating in Izhma district, although several other companies operate in neighbouring Usinsk district. We use a relational justice approach as the analytical lens to place emphasis on the “relations” and “processes” of community engagement and consultation.