Mining firms seek ore exploration in 15 Finnish nature areas

More than 10 mining companies have applied for permits to explore for ore in Natura conservation areas across Finland, and the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency has granted permits for seven of them, Yle has confirmed.

The information was first reported by the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, which obtained data from the agency, known as Tukes. Eight other applications are still awaiting decisions.

Natura is an EU-wide conservation network for areas considered especially important to biodiversity. The applications concern areas in Central Finland, North Karelia, Koillismaa and Kuusamo, as well as several parts of Lapland.

Among the companies seeking permits are British-owned Sakatti Mining, Canada-based Mawson, and Australian-owned Kingsrose and Latitude 66.

Viiankiaapa could set a precedent

Sakatti Mining’s planned mine in Viiankiaapa, a protected peatland in Sodankylä, could become a precedent for mining in Natura areas. The company wants to extract nickel, copper and other minerals beneath the peatland, which is protected both under the Natura network and Finland’s peatland conservation legislation.

An EU regulation that came into force a couple of years ago allows mining in a Natura area if the European situation requires it. The regional council of Lapland applied earlier this year for an exemption for the project.

The government of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will decide whether to grant or reject the exemption. Finland has never previously granted an exemption for the mining industry.

Hanna Halmeenpää, chair of the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation and a former Green League member of Parliament, said the government’s decision could come this autumn.

“If the exemption is granted, the next project is already knocking at the door. It is an international invitation to Finland’s protected areas,” Halmeenpää said.

The Natura areas where exploration permits have been granted or applied for are Viiankiaapa; the Tornio and Muonio river basin; Romppaat; Tollovuoma, Silmäsvuoma and Nunarvuoma; Mustiaapa and Kaattasjärvi; the upper Loukinen peatlands; the Kolima and Keitele rapids route; Jänessuo; Syöte; Ounasjoki; Martiomoaapa, Lumiaapa and Penikat; Isosuo and Kivisuo; the forests of southern Kuusamo; the Koitajoki area; and Otanneva.

Source: Yle, the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation and Tukes.