Arctic Communication, Gold Rush and New Threats in the Arctic

Welcome to the latest issue of the Arctic Highlights Newsletter, where you find Arctic news, events, and in-depth research analyses!

Quantum Superconducting Antennas: Communication in Extreme Environments

Researchers at Moscow State University have made a significant breakthrough in communication technology for remote and challenging environments. Their work focuses on developing antennas suitable for the Arctic, Antarctica, and even space applications.

The key to this innovation lies in antennas based on quantum superconducting technology. The breakthrough lies in a new design using "quantum superconductors." Picture it as a powerful antenna that can pick up faint signals amidst noise. This design enables the antenna to handle strong signals and convert them into digital information, akin to transcribing voice messages into text. It efficiently processes broadband high-frequency signals using digital filtering.

The successful development of these antennas has significant implications for the future of communication in remote regions. Their ability to function effectively in the harsh environments of the Arctic and Antarctica opens doors for improved scientific research, exploration, and even commercial activities. Additionally, the potential applications extend beyond Earth, offering possibilities for enhanced communication with objects in space. The research was published in the Q2 journal Physica C: Superconductivity and its Applications. (Source: here)

Gold Rush in Chukotka: Goldarktik Begins Development

The gold mining company Goldarktik is starting development on the Giant gold deposit located in Chukotka's Providensky District. Gold production is expected to begin in May 2024. Geologists first explored the gold-rich placers near the Pepenveem stream in the mid-1960s. Estimates suggest a total of 61 tons of gold and 2,860 tons of silver reside within the deposit.

Preparations are underway for mining to begin. A convoy carrying equipment, supplies, and housing units has arrived at the site from the nearby town of Egvekinot. The company is also constructing a temporary camp to accommodate workers. Before full-scale mining commences, Goldarktik plans further geological studies of the deposit. This will be followed by preparing the site for drilling equipment.

In addition to the Giant deposit, Goldarktik recently acquired rights to explore and develop other mineral-rich areas in Chukotka. These include the Rudny Log and Iultin Gora tin and tungsten deposits.

Benefits of the Arctic Zone

Goldarktik is operating under the status of a resident of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation. This grants Goldarktik significant tax breaks, including a five-year exemption on property, land, and income taxes. The company also receives subsidies for worker insurance and reduced mineral extraction taxes. (Source: here).

If you want to learn more about the Arctic Zone Resident status, I recommend you read the article Constructing the Russian Arctic as a Special Economic Zone.

Webinar on Emerging Strategic Areas: New Competitions and New Threats in the Arctic

The webinar was hosted by the Center for Diplomatic Relations and Political Studies (DIPAM) and featured presentations by three speakers: Assoc. Prof. Do?. Dr. Ebru Caymaz , Eda Ayayd?n and Dr. Adnan DAL.

The presentations highlighted key Arctic themes. One focused on Turkish Polar Science Diplomacy, showcasing Turkey's role in polar research and emphasizing the importance of science diplomacy in Arctic affairs. Another discussed Arctic Geopolitics amidst crises, challenging the notion of "Arctic Exceptionalism" in light of recent events. Lastly, Rethinking Arctic Security explored shifts towards tense dynamics and the evolving role of the Arctic Council and non-state actors in governance.

Key Takeaways:

1) The Arctic is rich in natural resources and becoming increasingly accessible due to ice melt.

2) Climate change is a major concern, but global efforts to address it are lacking.

3) Arctic cooperation has been challenged

4) Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic are gaining more recognition but still face challenges.

5) Despite recent tensions, most experts believe armed conflict in the Arctic is unlikely

Moreover, the importance of scientific research and diplomatic engagement for Turkey in the Arctic region was highlighted. Eda Ayayd?n mentioned that reapplying for observer status at the Arctic Council would be beneficial for Türkiye, considering its status as a maritime country and its potential to strengthen its position as a “green superpower".

If you want to learn more about the admittance of observer states to the Arctic Council, access this article "Fuzzy Signals to Potential Observer States in the Arctic Council". Since its inception, the Arctic Council has been open to Observers that are non-Arctic states (see Figure 1)

In 2017, Greece, Turkey, Switzerland, and Mongolia, applied for Observer status. Of these four, only Switzerland was accepted. In 2021, formal applications for seeking Observer status were made by Ireland, Estonia, and the Czech Republic, yet none of these applications were accepted.

Community & Citizen Science in the Far North 2024 Conference

The conference took part online 17-18, April 2024. Please, find all the abstracts here

Let me share with YOU my research "The University as Catalyst for Citizen Science in the Arctic" which I presented at the conference.

This research examines the University of Oulu's role as a catalyst in propagating citizen science within its Arctic Strategy and stakeholders. Located in Oulu, Finland, a central hub for Northern Finnish research, the university prioritizes human resilience, environmental sustainability, and responsible resource management in the Arctic region. Recognizing the value of collective knowledge, the university's Arctic Strategy explicitly embraces citizen science as a means to "enhance collaborative knowledge production." This approach leverages open science principles, research infrastructure, and diverse data collection methods to empower citizens to contribute meaningfully to Arctic research. This research focuses on the specific initiatives undertaken by the University of Oulu to institutionalize citizen science within its Arctic Strategy. It further examines the ongoing implications of this approach, aiming to shed light on its potential impact on both university and regional development in the Arctic context.

Have a great weekend!

Till next Arctic Highlights!

Yours,

Alexandra Middleton