Environment

Mining with Consideration of Nature

The Sakatti polymetallic deposit is partially located under the Viiankiaapa mire, which forms part of the Natura 2000 network. Natura 2000 is an EU‑wide network of protected areas aimed at safeguarding biodiversity and conserving important habitats and species. Of the 6,595‑hectare Viiankiaapa Natura area, the surface projection of the planned underground mine represents approximately one per cent (49.71 hectares).

Viiankiaapa is a valuable aapa mire complex, and already at an early stage of project planning, the Sakatti mine implementation option with the least impact on Viiankiaapa’s habitats and species was selected.

Environmental Responsibility as the Foundation of Project Planning

We believe that the Sakatti mine can be implemented in a manner that respects the environment. We work continuously to advance environmental responsibility and aim to minimise any negative impacts on the surrounding environment. We invest in new innovations designed to protect nature and biodiversity.

Since 2009, we have surveyed species and habitat types in the area, monitored the status of local water bodies, and studied groundwater flows within the project area and its surroundings. This comprehensive baseline data provides a reference point that allows us to assess potential impacts arising from our activities and to address them at an early stage in order to minimise their effects. You can learn more about the baseline studies conducted for the Sakatti mining project here.

Environmental considerations are integrated into all our operations, and we train both our personnel and contractors to act in accordance with our strict safety and environmental requirements.

Our Goal Is to Set the Direction for the Responsible Mining of the Future

Designed in line with our FutureSmart Mining™ operating model, the Sakatti mine will be a low‑carbon underground mine that makes use of best‑available technology. Advanced mining methods enable minimal waste generation and a high rate of water recycling.

We take an open‑minded approach to adopting new technologies and continuously improve existing solutions. It is important to us to do things properly —and better than well — thereby creating a responsible operating model for the entire Finnish mining industry.

Read more about the Sakatti Project, Viiankiaapa, the project’s EIA and Natura assessment processes, and the responsible implementation of the project in our interactive e-brochure.

Environmental Impacts Are Reduced and Compensated

Through the environmental impact assessment process and the Natura assessment, measures to reduce the impacts of mining have been identified. The most significant of these is the decision not to include a separate mineralisation located northeast of the main deposit in the current mining plan.

Groundwater flows in the mining area have been thoroughly studied through an exceptionally extensive programme of sampling, monitoring and modelling. Through various design solutions, we aim to further reduce the mine’s groundwater impact area.

Environmental impacts are minimised by transporting ore mined deep underground for processing outside the protected area via an underground tunnel system more than five kilometres in length. The tunnels will be carefully sealed, drawing on experience gained in Finland from tunnels constructed for transport infrastructure. A large proportion of the tailings remaining from mineral processing and the waste rock produced during mining will be used to backfill underground stopes. Any low‑Sulphur tailings remaining after backfilling will be deposited as filtered tailings outside the protected area.

Supporting Biodiversity Through Compensation Planning

Minimising environmental impacts is a central element of the Sakatti Project’s planning. Project design seeks to prevent, avoid and mitigate all environmental impacts. Where impacts cannot be sufficiently mitigated, areas will be restored at the end of operations and returned as close as possible to their natural state.

The project also includes the planning of ecological compensation measures to strengthen biodiversity elsewhere. Compensation is a means of addressing impacts that cannot be fully avoided or mitigated. Our parent company, Anglo American, is committed to over‑compensating for the ecological impacts it causes across all its projects and operations. Compensating environmental impacts even before project implementation is also aligned with the objectives of Finland’s Nature Conservation Act.

As a pioneer in ecological compensation, the Sakatti Project is exploring new approaches to offset environmental impacts.