A major environmental scandal has emerged at a gold mine in Orivesi, Finland, where hundreds of tonnes of illegal waste were dumped over several decades. After a 7.5-year investigation, the case is now nearing completion and is expected to be handed over to prosecutors.
Police currently suspect 16 individuals in managerial positions of aggravated environmental damage. They were employed by companies including Outokumpu and Dragon Mining, as well as various subcontractors.
– There are differing views on what was permitted and who ultimately bears responsibility, said criminal superintendent Joni Länsipuro of the Finnish Inland Police, speaking to Yle.
Large volumes of waste were uncovered
The illegal dumping site was first discovered during an inspection by the ELY Centre in October 2018, prompting a criminal investigation.
When the site was cleared in 2023, significant quantities of mining-related waste were uncovered. These included car tyres, batteries, protective clothing, and oil filters.
Valuable metals were also found among the waste.
– Metal prices are relatively high today. Back in the 1990s, recycling was not as profitable, which likely contributed to the failure to properly process the material, Länsipuro said.
Suspected offences span decades
The alleged offences date back to the 1990s. Some of the suspects were only employed at the mine for short periods, which may affect their level of responsibility.
According to police, some individuals have admitted wrongdoing, while others deny the allegations.
The investigation has taken years to complete, partly because authorities waited for the waste to be fully excavated before determining its exact scope.
– We now have a very precise understanding of what was there – the quantities of metal, batteries and tyres, Länsipuro said.
The case could shape legal practice
The case may prove significant from a legal perspective, as Finland lacks clear precedent on how statutes of limitation apply to this type of environmental crime.
Aggravated environmental damage carries a sentence of between four months and six years in prison.
The investigation is expected to be submitted to prosecutors later this summer.
Source: Yle
Fact check:
The Orivesi case involves long-term illegal waste disposal in a mining environment. Due to the lack of clear legal precedent in Finland, the outcome may influence how similar environmental crimes are assessed in the future.
