We surveyed Savukoski residents’ views on mining

Savukoski residents value the jobs that the mining industry brings to the area. They also find that the Finnish Government should invest in research and education that supports the development of expertise in mining in Finland. The majority of people residing in Savukoski are in favour of opening a mine in Sokli, provided that the operations at the mine will be arranged in a responsible manner with respect to the environment and local livelihoods.

These are the views of the respondents of a recent survey of Savukoski residents on mining carried out for the second time as part of a national interview-based survey. The survey was carried out for the first time in 2021.

Support for Finnish mining has increased

The survey respondents were asked whether they agreed or disagreed with 22 statements about mines and mining. Eight of the statements were also included in the previous survey.

The respondents agreed the most with the following statements:

• The Finnish Government should advance expertise in mining by investing in research and education.
• The mining industry brings jobs to many localities in which the job market would otherwise be sparse.

The respondents disagreed the most with the following statements:

• I would not wish to see any more mines in Finland.
• Mines are not needed in Europe as raw materials can be imported from other regions.

Sixty-eight per cent of the respondents fully or partially agreed with the statement “I am in favour of opening a mine in Sokli, provided that the operations at the mine will be arranged in a responsible manner with respect to the environment and local livelihoods”.

Compared to the survey of 2021, Savukoski residents clearly more often agree that the mining industry brings jobs to many localities in which the job market would otherwise be sparse (86% in 2023, 82% in 2021), and that mines are needed to manufacture products that they use daily (72% in 2023, 62% in 2021). Compared to the survey of 2021, the respondents agreed slightly less with the statement “The mining industry generates a very large share of emissions affecting the climate”.

Further studies required for the development of Sokli mining project

Finnish Minerals Group is interested to hear the opinions of Savukoski residents on account of our wholly owned subsidiary Sokli Oy advancing the Sokli mining project in the Municipality of Savukoski. The results of our scoping study show that Sokli could produce not only phosphate and iron but also various rare earth elements (REE), which are essential in the transition to using renewable energy.

The survey implemented by interviewing people over the phone was carried out by Taloustutkimus Oy between 13 and 17 April 2023. The respondents were randomly selected Finnish men and women aged between 15 and 79 residing in Savukoski. In total, 50 of the municipality’s roughly 1,000 residents responded to the survey.

 

Further information of the study:

Click here to see the results of the survey 2023 (pdf, in Finnish)

Click here to see the results of the survey 2021 (in Finnish)

The results of the scoping study 16.2.2023

Further information of Sokli mining project:

Pasi Heino, Project Director, Sokli mining project
firstname.lastname(at)mineralsgroup.fi, +358 50 5535 032

The mission of Finnish Minerals Group is to responsibly maximise the value of Finnish minerals. We manage the State’s mining industry shareholdings and strive to develop the Finnish value chain of lithium-ion batteries. Through our work, we contribute to Europe moving towards electric transport and a more sustainable future.  www.mineralsgroup.fi