Pyhäsalmi Mine is located in Pyhäjärvi in Northern Ostrobothnia. It is owned by First Quantum Minerals Ltd. The production started in 1962. The underground mine operation and processing of copper and zinc concentrates ended in August 2022. Pyhäsalmi Mine was the deepest metal ore mine in Europe. Production continues with producing pyrite concentrate from the material stored in the tailings area. Production is estimated to continue until the end of 2025. After the end of production, pyrite concentrate deliveries continues to customers from stock and closure measures are carried out for a few years.
The closure of the underground mine is currently being carried out and post closure use is being sought for the premises.
More information: www.pyhasalmimine.fi
| AAA | |||||||||||||
| AA | |||||||||||||
| A | |||||||||||||
| B | |||||||||||||
| C | |||||||||||||
| Community Outreach | Biodiversity Management | Tailings management | Water management | Climate change management | Mine closure | Occupational health and safety |
| Crisis management preparedness | Internal review | Training and exercises | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crisis Management Planning – Corporate | |||
| Crisis Management Planning – Site |
Exploration started at the area in 1957 by Outokumpu Oy. In 2004 – 2019 the explorations was executed by Pyhäsalmi Mine Oy. Since 2020, there has not been exploration.
| Yes | No | |
|---|---|---|
| Location in a nature reserve* | ||
| Environmental Management System ** | ||
| Environmental impact assessment required (in accordance with the EIA Act) * | ||
| Measurements for dust | ||
| Measurements for noise | ||
| Measurements for vibration | ||
| Environmental risk assessment carried out | ||
| Deviations from environmental permits *** | ||
| Closure plan for the mine | ||
| Plan for the controlled shutdown of the mine in unexpected situations |
| Yes | No | |
|---|---|---|
| Staff initiative system | ||
| Performance appraisals concerning the entire personnel | ||
| Staff training plan | ||
| Equality plan | ||
| Employee representation in company administration | ||
| Occupational health and safety management system* | ||
| Occupational safety card for everyone working in the area | ||
| Own rescue unit |
Economical impact of mining is significant for the town Pyhäjärvi. The mine has had a remarkable impact on the area’s economic activity and its continuity and development. With the closure of the mine, part of the basis on which the companies have built their business will also disappear. The municipality, residents of the surrounding area, landowners, local entrepreneurs and the partnership of Lake Pyhäjärvi are taken into account in the stakeholder work.
On the southwest side of the mine there is an old moraine intake area, from which Pyhäsalmi Mine used moraine to cover one of the tailings bond at the turn of the millennium. A fitness track goes around the area. Pyhäsalmi Mine built a bird observation tower in the area in 2023.
To the west of the mine, on the shore of Lake Pyhäjärvi, there is a boat dock and a beach renovated by Pyhäsalmi Mine Oy. The area is in free use.
Landscape values have been taken into account in the company’s operations and closure plan. Lanscaping have been carried out during the operation, e.g. the decommissioned pond A has been covered and landscaped right after its use was ended.
A landscaping plan has been drawn up for the incoming moraine intake area in the cooperation with stakeholders. Seedlings were planted in the protection zone of the incoming moraine intake area in 2023.
