State adds funding for Sokli as Savukoski opposes trial mine

The Finnish state is providing more funding for the Sokli mining project, even as Savukoski municipality opposes the planned trial mining and the project still lacks an environmental permit, Yle reports.

State-owned Finnish Minerals Group and its subsidiary Sokli Oy are preparing a trial mine and processing operation, which they plan to start in late summer 2027. Business Finland has selected Sokli for a new flagship project bringing together companies and research institutes to develop Finland’s mining industry. The 75 million euro project will provide Sokli with 10 million euros directly.

Earlier this year, the government reserved 65 million euros for Sokli’s development, including preliminary studies and the trial mine, for 2026 to 2028. Sokli chief executive Pasi Heino says a pre-feasibility study is expected to be completed by the end of 2028. A full feasibility study has not yet been carried out.

Preparatory work has already taken place this year, including enlarging existing processing buildings, putting up two temporary halls and building about 300 metres of road. Heino says the permitting authority has found no legal obstacle to the work and that it did not require an environmental permit.

The trial operation does require an environmental and water management permit, and the application is now open for comments until 26 October. The Supreme Administrative Court overturned earlier permits in 2022, citing concerns including risks to water management. The application was sent back for consideration and is now being handled by the Permit and Supervisory Authority.

Savukoski’s municipal council voted six months ago to oppose uranium- and thorium-related trial or mining operations, as well as other mining that would cause significant environmental harm or danger. The municipality says the trial operation should undergo an environmental impact assessment, although the authority says the environmental and water management permit is sufficient.

Municipal manager Joonas Rentola says the municipality will submit an objection to the permit application, raising environmental risks and potential harm to reindeer husbandry. It also opposes allowing work to begin before any appeals are resolved or granting preparatory permission before the decision becomes final.