Description of the company
Laiva Gold Inc. is a Canadian mining company focused on responsible, high-quality gold production in Finland. Its Finnish subsidiary, Laiva Gold Oy, owns Laiva mine, located in the city of Raahe in Northern Ostrobothnia. The mine’s open pits and all processing facilities are situated within the same mining area at Laivakangas.
The area’s gold potential was first identified in 1980, and Nordic Mines AB was established in 2005 to develop the mining operation. Ownership has since transferred to Laiva Gold. The mine benefits from established production infrastructure, a modern processing plant, and considerable potential for future growth.
Laiva mine’s production process includes ore extraction, crushing, grinding, mineral processing, and production drilling.
The mine has been under care and maintenance since 2022. However, the company aims to restart production in late 2027 or early 2028. At the same time, Laiva Gold continues to expand its resource base and develop its operations in a safe, sustainable, and transparent manner, working closely with local communities and stakeholders.
Social Responsibility Report
Company in figures
- Production volume: Gold (Au) 42 kg, silver (Ag) 8 kg
- Total mining: Planned production volume 10 Mt (14,6 % ore, 85,4 % waste rock)
- Reported one reserves: Verified 1,2 Mt (1,283 g Au/t), probable 10,4 Mt (1,086 g Au/t)
- Reported mineral reserves: Measured and indicated 14 Mt (1,103 g Au/t), potential 8,7 Mt (1,165 g Au/t)
- Year of commencement: The deposit was discovered and exploration activities started in the 1980s, with mining operations beginning in 2011.
- Expected remaining life of the mine: 7 years
- Mining area: Operating area 1 552 ha, auxiliary area 142 ha
- Number of own employees (31.12.): 16
- The main localities of the employees: Raahe 40 %, Oulu 30 %, others 30 %
- Number of permanent contractors (31.12.): No permanent contractors
- Operating profit EBITDA: -2,76 M€
Information about prospecting
Laiva mine did not conduct any exploration activities in 2025.
- Number and area of reservation areas: 0
- Number and area of exploration permit areas: 0
- Number and area of exploration permit application: 2 (545,9 ha)
- Exploration permits under appeal: 0
- Exploration drilling: 0 km
Environment
| 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 |
- Environmental permit granted: kyllä
- Year of permit: 2009
- Link of permit: -
- Guarantee in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act: 3,81 M€
- Financial guarantee in accordance with the mining act in the mining permit area: 94 000 €
- Financial guarantee in accordance with the mining act in mineral exploration permit area: 0 €
Key Figures
- Amount of mining waste: -
- Utilixation of extractive waste: 234 000 t (100 % waste rock)
- Fuel Consumption: 2,66 GWh
- Other energy consumption: 1,94 GWh
- CO2 emissions from the mine: 787 t
- Water consumption: 49 m3
- Discharge of water outside the mining area: 1,1 Mm3
- Number of dams in the mining area: 5
- Endangered species are present in the operational area: kylla
- Use of environmentally hazardous chemicals: Sodium cyanide 0 t, copper sulfate 0 t, sulfur dioxidei 0 t
- Biodiversity actions: -
Personnel and security
| 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 |
Key Figures
- Average training days: Not reported
- Sickness absences (excluding contractors): Not reported
- Accident frequency: 0
- Shift systems in use: Day shift work
- Share of women in the labour force: 20 %
Impact on the use and livelihoods of nearby areas
Impact on local livelihoods:
The mining district area and its surroundings consist primarily of drained forest and peatland areas with no permanent residents. Forestry is the dominant economic activity in the region. Tourism is limited and mainly comprises wilderness-based services and businesses related to recreational fishing. Mining operations are not assessed to have a significant impact on these activities.
Laiva mine is an important regional employer. During operations, the mine is expected to directly employ approximately 150-200 people, in addition to contractors and service providers. The operation also generates indirect employment opportunities for local businesses and suppliers. By diversifying the local economy, strengthening purchasing power, and supporting the development of services, the mine contributes significantly to the vitality and long-term economic development of the region.
Impact on nearby recreational use:
Land use in the area is primarily based on forestry and outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, hunting, fishing, berry picking, and mushroom gathering. There are no designated recreational trails within the area. The extensive and largely continuous forest landscapes surrounding the mine have remained predominantly undisturbed, and therefore the impacts of mining activities on wildlife habitats and hunting are assessed to be limited.
Mining operations and associated water management have had adverse effects on fish populations in Iso-Hattulampi. However, Sikolampi, the most significant pond in the surrounding area, has remained in its natural state.
To monitor environmental conditions and protect biodiversity, Laiva mine conducts comprehensive annual environmental, water quality, and fisheries monitoring programs. In addition, the company pays an annual fisheries management fee to support fish stock enhancement measures and promote fishing in the region.
Impact on landscape value:
The mine is located within a gently rolling landscape of peatlands, hills, and forested uplands, characterized by mixed coniferous forests. Mining activities have permanently altered parts of the landscape, particularly through the development of open pits, waste rock storage areas, and tailings facilities, which are visible in both the local and wider landscape.
Progressive reclamation is carried out throughout the life of the mine, and upon closure the site will be rehabilitated in accordance with approved closure and landscaping plans. As reclamation advances and vegetation becomes re-established, the visual impacts of mining will gradually diminish, although some areas may not fully return to their original natural condition.
Several archaeological and cultural heritage sites have been identified within the mining area. Efforts have been made to minimize impacts on these sites by avoiding construction and other land-disturbing activities in their vicinity whenever possible. Cultural heritage features located within mining areas have been carefully surveyed and documented prior to development, and their preservation has been assessed on a case-by-case basis. As a result, the number of cultural heritage sites lost due to mining activities has remained limited.
Interaction with stakeholders
Stakeholder cooperation:
In addition to employees, contractors, and authorities, the key stakeholders of Laiva mine include municipalities within the area of influence, residents, landowners, rural and tourism businesses, and environmental organizations.
To promote open dialogue and collaboration, Laiva mine regularly organizes landowner meetings and community information events. These gatherings provide an opportunity to share updates on current operations and future while engaging in transparent discussions with local stakeholders. The company also actively communicates through regional events and its social media channels.
Laiva mine supports the development of mining industry expertise by offering students opportunities for thesis projects, internships, and summer employment, helping to foster the next generation of mining and environmental professionals.
Research and cooperation projects:
Laiva mine collaborates with educational institutions by offering students internship opportunities and the chance to complete thesis projects related to its operations.