Terrafame applies for comprehensive environmental permit covering all operations and Kolmisoppi project

Finnish multi-metal and battery chemical company Terrafame has submitted an environmental and water permit application covering its entire operations, including the Kolmisoppi project, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

The application was filed with the Permit and Supervision Authority on 30 April, roughly 18 months ahead of the 2027 deadline set by the Supreme Administrative Court. The court ruled in February 2026 that Terrafame must apply for a new comprehensive permit for its operations by the end of 2027.

The Kolmisoppi project, which aims to enable continuous ore extraction by the late 2020s, is described as “particularly critical” by the company. Terrafame hopes to begin mining at Kolmisoppi as early as 2028. The project received EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) status in March 2025, allowing for expedited permit processing.

CEO Antti Koulumies stated that the company hopes for a decision within approximately one year. The application follows previous restrictions imposed by the Vaasa Administrative Court and the Supreme Administrative Court, which limited the construction and use of a new secondary leaching area and side rock storage.

The Regional State Administrative Agency for Northern Finland had rejected Terrafame’s environmental permit application for opening a new open-pit mine at Kolmisoppi in December 2025, requiring it to be processed as part of the main permit.

Application materials will be made available on the Permit and Supervision Authority’s website once the public notice period begins.