The current Finnish government has included a reform proposal for the mining law in its government program.
Finland's Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä calls it the best possible compromise. But nature conservation organizations are still dissatisfied with the proposal for a new mining law. The mining industry fears a messy whole that endangers the future of the mining industry.
The new mining law and a possible mining tax divide opinions, it could stop new mines in Finland, the Mining Industry believes.
The new mining law and a possible mining tax divide opinions, it could stop new mines in Finland, the Mining Industry believes.
If everything goes as planned by the government, Finland will have a new mining law from the first of March next year. The debate has been fierce during the preparation of the bill and continues to be heated even now that the bill is complete.
Recently, the Finnish Riksdag's economics committee organized an open hearing on a citizens' initiative that wants to set strict limits on mining in Finland.
One of the initiators of the citizens' initiative, Miisa Mink, says that the goal is to protect 30 percent of Finland's surface. According to her, national parks, nature reserves, but also areas belonging to Natura 2000, and areas with endangered species should be protected.
Facts:
Finland's new mining law
The current Finnish government has included a reform proposal for the mining law in its government program.
The proposal for a new mining law was given to the Riksdag at the beginning of September.
The proposal is now with the Finance Committee, which hears the Constitution Committee and the Environment Committee.
A citizens' initiative to limit mining was considered by the Finance Committee on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Enterprise does not consider that the citizens' initiative needs to be taken into account in the bill.