Guide: Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure for mining projects in Finland

Abstract

The purpose of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure is to generate information on the environmental impacts of a project, facilitate the consideration of environmental issues in planning and decision-making processes, and give the public and other stakeholders opportunities to participate in and affect these processes. An EIA must be conducted for all mining projects that may have significant adverse environmental impacts. The developer is responsible for investigating and assessing the environmental impacts of the project. The EIA procedure has two main phases, resulting in the publication of an EIA programme and an EIA report. The EIA procedure is defined by law. The most essential steps in the EIA procedure include: a description of the project; the defining and comparison of project alternatives; a description of the environment in the area concerned; an assessment of the impacts of the project; and the arranging of public participation. Impact assessments should cover the entire life cycle of the project from the opening of the mine to its closure. They must assess impacts on nature, human beings and the built environment. They should also cover exceptional situations, environmental accidents, and means to mitigate adverse impacts.