The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment press release: The amended Mining Act will enter into force on 1 June 2023. The amended law will increase the influence of local residents and put more emphasis on environmental considerations.
A new reservation fee will reduce reservations that are unnecessarily large for exploration activities. The conditions for extending the validity of an exploration permit will be tightened to strengthen the position of property owners and to reduce the harm experienced by area residents.
A plan approved by the municipality is a condition for granting a mining permit. More consideration must also be given to other sources of livelihood in the area. Issues related to landscape, biodiversity and environment will also play a more important role in permit consideration.
In addition, the new Act will tighten regulation on securities and termination of mining activities. The gradual closure of a mine will be taken into account better than before already during the mining operations.
In order to strengthen national security, an exploration and mining permit will not be granted if the activity is considered to endanger national defence, security of supply or the functioning of infrastructure essential to society. The right to obtain information will improve with the introduction of annual open public events.
The changes will increase mining operators’ costs and administrative burdens, but they may also balance the competition within the sector. Stricter and more specific regulation clarifies the rules and therefore benefits the operators in the sector.
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Inquiries:
Tuula Manelius, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 064 909
Teo Kangaspunta, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 325
