The area where the mine is to be located is today used by the indigenous Sami people from the villages of Sirges and Jåhkågasska as winter pasture land for reindeers. Reindeer herding is a traditional practice to the Sami people that would be rendered impossible in this area if the mining project is realised.The plans to establish a mine at the site has met resistance from the indigenous Sámi people as well as other local inhabitants and has also raised concerns in regard to dam safety, within the hydro power regulated Lule River. On July 1, 2013, protesters set up a road blockade. On July 30, the blockade was dismantled by the police, but on the next day the blockade was set up again.[

Continuing protests and demonstrations by the Sami people, as well as EJOs, locals and activists, with the intention to stop the mining project, have taken place, and a series of police interventions to stop the protests have occurred, with several activists being arrested. Scientists have also expressed concern about the dam that is needed as a part of the mining project since if it leaks or breaks it may destroy water supplies as well as power supply in the area.

As of today, the company continues its exploration and the protests continue. By 2020 no decision to mine has been taken yet. In 2014, Norrbotten County said no to fmining in Kallak;[the case would be closed if the Swedish governmental geology decision-making body Bergsstaten had agreed with Norrbotten County. However, Bergsstaten overruled the county and it is up to the government of Sweden to give a final answer to the question.