The Viiankiaapa mire, which also belongs to the Natura 2000 network, is located 15 kilometres north of Sodankylä. Deep under the mire, the bedrock is full of treasures. According to current scientific information, Sakatti is the richest multi-metal deposit in Europe, even though parts of the area have not yet been thoroughly researched. As the mineral deposit is located at the border of a protected area, the Sakatti project is executed under strict rules. Our employees Ilkka and Kirsti, working in the project’s safety team, describe how we take care of the safety of our employees and the environment.
Ilkka and Kirsti work in the Sakatti project as safety experts. They are responsible for managing and developing safety-related practices in the company and ensuring a safe working environment. Ilkka and Kirsti also work to maintain and update the company’s safety systems and train employees in safety matters. In addition, they are responsible for making sure that the operations and equipment for drilling companies, for example, fulfil the company’s strict requirements.
“Safety is something we take very seriously, and it is also one of Anglo American’s core values. Safety is present in all our operations,” Kirsti says.
Occupational safety as part of daily operations
Common practices, a comprehensive occupational safety system and a workplace culture encouraging open communication have a key role in occupational safety at Sakatti. Before a new employee starts working at Sakatti, the employee will participate in a comprehensive orientation period. The orientation covers practices and working methods related to policies and the safety culture at Anglo American.
“Safety orientation and trainings are mandatory for all our employees as well as contractors and consultants. Everybody participates in maintaining occupational safety,” Kirsti notes.
In addition to trainings, employees and contractors regularly receive information on risks and safety at weekly meetings. Even the smallest occupational safety risks will be eliminated in advance, and safety observations are made widely.
The biggest risk to the safety of our employees is road traffic. The company has strict guidelines for employees on ensuring road safety. The risks are also minimized through sharing information on driving conditions and by ensuring that vehicles used meet all safety criteria.
At the research area, the company is able to influence working methods, personal protective equipment and the general working conditions. We try to minimize risks with all possible means. For example, we are testing snowmobile helmets with electrically heated visors. Heating prevents the visor from fogging up on cold days, which could possibly prevent accidents.
“Below freezing temperatures considerably affect our field work. There are more risks related to operating machines in very cold temperatures. However, our field technicians and contractors have a lot of experience and a good understanding of safe working conditions,” says Ilkka.
The environment is carefully protected
The Sakatti site is located under a protected mire belonging to the Natura 2000 network, which is a key factor guiding ore exploration activities in the area.
Any activities that take place at a Natura site are strictly regulated and limited. “The company has its own strict environmental policies, and the requirements are even stricter at Natura 2000 sites. We take working in a delicate environment very seriously,” says Ilkka.
The starting point for operations at nature preserves is respecting nature values and protecting nature from any possible harm.
“Viiankiaapa is one of the most researched areas in Finland when it comes to biodiversity. Before starting any drilling activities, we have conducted wide-scale research and planned equipment routes so that they are safe, and the delicate environment is taken into account. Based on our research, we have established areas where we do not go at all”, Ilkka adds.
We guard the environment in the Sakatti project through careful risk analyses and various practical measures. In the nature conservation area, drilling only takes place during wintertime, when the snow cover protects the ground from the weight of the drilling equipment. Before the equipment is taken to the work site, we make sure that it is properly maintained and inspected. We also check that the contractor’s working methods comply with our policies. Contractors’ employees participate in Sakatti safety trainings and orientation periods on a regular basis.
Learn more about environmental work at Sakatti
Learn more about the company’s values