EU adds five Finnish mining projects to fast-track list

The European Commission has added five projects in Finland to its list of strategic raw-materials initiatives, potentially giving them faster access to permits, Yle reported on Friday.

The projects are the CoNiKo cobalt and nickel processing project in Kokkola; the Hautalampi cobalt, nickel and copper mine project in Outokumpu; Project Arctial, linked to aluminium production on the border between Kokkola and Kruunupyy; and the Sokli mine project in Savukoski and Suhanko mine project in Ranua.

The EU’s strategic project list is intended to strengthen Europe’s self-sufficiency in raw materials used in defence, smart devices and electric-car batteries, including nickel, cobalt and copper. Europe currently depends particularly on China for these minerals.

Being listed can ease financing and accelerate permits. It can also allow projects to bypass restrictions, including those applying to nature conservation areas such as Natura sites.

The Commission published its first list last year. It included the Sakatti mine project beneath Viiankiaapa, a protected mire in Sodankylä. The project has faced protests across Finland.

Mining companies have applied for and received permits to explore for ore in several protected areas. The government led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo decides on those permits.