Raahen gold mine loses environmental permits after repeated violations

The Vaasa Administrative Court has upheld a decision to revoke the environmental permits for the Raahen gold mine in northern Finland, citing serious and recurring violations by the mine operator, according to a ruling reported by Finnish broadcaster Yle.

The Regional State Administrative Agency for Northern Finland withdrew the permits roughly a year ago due to persistent environmental breaches by Laiva Gold, the company currently running the mine. The mining firm appealed the decision, but the administrative court ruled that the revocation was justified.

Even the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre) for North Ostrobothnia—which oversees the mine—had contested the original decision, arguing that the permit cancellation should have included clearer guidelines for post-closure measures. However, the court also dismissed the ELY Centre’s appeal.

The ruling is not yet legally binding, as Laiva Gold may still seek leave to appeal to Finland’s Supreme Administrative Court.

Troubled history of ownership changes

The Raahen gold mine has faced a turbulent 15-year history, with no operator managing to run it profitably. Since its opening in 2011, the mine has changed hands multiple times:

• 2011: Swedish company Nordic Mines launches operations.
• 2014: Nordic Mines closes the mine amid restructuring.
• 2018: Canadian firm Nordic Gold briefly reopens the mine before shutting it down within months.
• 2021: Another Canadian company, Otso Gold, takes over but faces financial and management issues shortly after.
• 2022: Pilar Gold, also Canadian, acquires the mine.
• 2023: Pilar Gold transfers operations to Laiva Gold.
• 2023: The ELY Centre applies to revoke the mine’s environmental permits.
• 2025: The Regional State Administrative Agency cancels the permits.
• 2026: The Vaasa Administrative Court upholds the cancellation.