Finland’s government to decide on controversial mine’s Natura exemption

The Finnish government will rule on whether to grant a Natura conservation exemption for the planned Sakatti mine in Sodankylä, a decision that will determine whether the project can proceed, Yle reports.

The Regional Council of Lapland has applied for the exemption, which is required because the mine—planned beneath the protected Viiankiaapa mire—could significantly harm Natura-protected habitats and species, including aapa mires, flarks, wooded bogs, lapland buttercup, and giant clubmoss. Under EU rules, exemptions may only be granted if the project serves an “overriding public interest” with no viable alternatives.

On Wednesday, the council’s board approved the draft regional plan (10–5 vote), but final adoption depends on the government’s exemption decision. The mine, proposed by Anglo American, would extract nickel, copper, and cobalt over roughly 23 years, with operations extending 1,200 meters underground.

Finland has granted only one Natura exemption previously—a 2023 approval for flood-control work on the Kokemäenjoki River. Elsewhere in Europe, exemptions have permitted projects like port expansions and railway construction.

The company must fully compensate for environmental damage, proposing restoration of nearby mires and protection of a rare lapinsirppisammal (sickle moss) site. Authorities, including the Finnish Environment Institute and Metsähallitus, will assess whether these measures suffice. The government cannot approve the exemption if compensation is deemed inadequate.

Anglo American plans to apply for environmental and water permits by year-end. The EU has designated Sakatti a “strategic project,” requiring permit processing within 27 months. The mine also needs municipal zoning approval from Sodankylä’s council.

Opposition to the project has included protests: in 2024, activists temporarily halted drilling at Viiankiaapa. The company has been negotiating land purchases with dozens of local owners.