Finland political parties debate Viiankiaapa Natura protection vs mining

Finnish political parties are divided over a proposal to bypass Natura 2000 protections in the Viiankiaapa mire in Sodankylä to allow for mining activities. The Left Alliance and the Green League have already declared their opposition to the Lapin liitto's application for an exemption.

The mining company, AA Sakatti Mining, aims to exploit what is described as one of Europe’s most significant untapped nickel-copper deposits. However, the Ministry of the Environment, Metsähallitus, the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency, and the European Commission have all deemed the current application insufficient, specifically regarding how the company intends to compensate for environmental degradation.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has not yet taken a definitive stance, citing a need for more precise information on whether the mine meets the criteria of compelling reasons of overriding public interest and how much environmental damage can be mitigated. The Lapin liitto has until the end of January to supplement its plan for compensatory measures.