Growing demand for minerals highlights the need to develop sustainable mining practices – including at the local scale

We need minerals for everyday activities – technology, infrastructure, energy, and transportation – which is why mining is also essential for society. The demand for minerals is growing, and they are particularly important for supply security in Finland and Europe. At the same time, there is a growing need to develop mineral exploration and mining in ways that are sustainable for both the environment and society. Finland has significant mineral resources, but the structure of the economy, local economic and social conditions, and environmental characteristics vary greatly between the regions. Hence, it is important to examine how mining and mineral exploration are perceived locally and what kind of impacts they have on communities and the environment in different parts of the country, and especially in areas where the environment has special values.
maisemakuva Kallunkijärvelle

A research article, entitled "Reflections on mineral exploration, mining, and environment through people's attachments and sense of place in Northern Finland" examines these issues in Northern Finland, focusing on Rovaniemi, Kuusamo, and with a special attention on the unique and nature-diversity rich village of Käylä. The article is written by University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute researchers Sanna Ojalammi, Ossi Kotavaara, and Jari Joutsenvaara.

The study is based on interviews and a survey, which was enriched with map-based questions examining location-specific and place-connected themes. The study examined residents’ perceptions of place relations, lived experiences, and place attachment within residential areas affected by mineral exploration and mining.

In the target region selected for the study, local perspectives emphasized alterations in the environment and natural landscapes and the harmful socio-economic and environmental impacts of mining. On the other hand, the perspectives relating to the economic and livelihood opportunities offered by mining were also observed.

“Mineral exploration and the related potential mining activities shape residents’ relationship with the place and their attachment to it, especially in residential areas. The anticipated socio-ecological impacts and environmental changes caused by mining operations may cause uncertainties in, for example, the continuity of livelihoods, the nature sustainability, and the environmental responsibility of mining companies," states Researcher, Docent Sanna Ojalammi.

“Map-based survey responses emphasise residents’ views on place attachment, environmental protection, and future hopes. Map-responses help us to understand the social and environmental dimensions of mining at the local level and prioritize regional land use values in relation e.g. to housing, tourism, and leisure activities as well as industrial investments to mining sector," points out research Director, Docent, Ossi Kotavaara.

"It can be concluded that in the planning of mining projects and related land use, it is essential to strengthen open communication and take local needs into account in a socially and environmentally with fair and responsible ways," states Development Manager Jari Joutsenvaara.


The research article has been published in the high-valued scientific journal Geografiska Annaler: Series B, Human Geography and can be accessed openly via this link.

Created 11.3.2026 | Updated 11.3.2026