Economist and former Secretary General of the Norwegian Mineral Industry, Elisabeth Gammelsæter, discusses how local “Not In My Backyard” reactions influence decisions on mining, energy projects, and critical raw materials across Europe. Drawing on her book Not in My Neighborhood: Why NIMBY Cases Challenge Norwegian Democracy, she explains that local opposition is often driven by identity, fear, and deep attachment to place—rather than ignorance or selfishness. She warns that dismissing communities as “just NIMBYs” risks weakening democratic culture. Through clear examples, Elisabeth highlights why rushing permits without genuine dialogue can backfire, and how transparency, respect, and early engagement are essential to building legitimacy for new projects.