Hannukainen Mining Oy was founded in 2015 to utilize the Hannukainen ore deposits in the Kolari municipality. The area has a long history in mining and the project is situated mainly in an area that has already seen mining in the past. Mining company’s goal is utilize the iron oxide-copper-gold deposits and produce iron, copper-gold and pyrite concentrates. The mining will be done in two open pits. The project is currently in permitting and planning phase.
Hannukainen Mining Oy is fully owned by family company Tapojärvi Oy, which has its roots in the Kolari municipality. Tapojärvi has a long history as a mining contractor, material handling, circular economy and operating industrial processes. Tapojärvi supports Hannukainen’s permitting phase with it’s entire organisation.
Hannukainen is doing prospecting in the Kolari municipality near the planned mine area and also in the neighbouring municipality Kittilä near the Kelontekemä village. In Kolari prospecting is focused to find IOCG deposits, where the main minerals of interest are magnetite and chalcopyrite. In Kittilä Kelontekemä prospecting is mainly focused on gold and copper. The main work methods in prospecting are modelling, interpretation of old data, geophysical measurements and diamond core drilling.
| 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 the environmental permit *** | ||
| 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 |
In its current phase, the company has very limited activities at the old mining area. Local residents and other stakeholders are informed beforehand about field works and prospecting activities. Discussions are held with the local reindeer herding cooperative in the planning phase to coordinate reindeer husbandry with the works. Similar discussions are also sought with other local businesses to align future activities. The company’s operations have not had any major impact on local livelihoods during the project phase. However, the implementation of the project creates demand for local services, which may support the regional economy.
According to mining company’s estimations, the company hasn’t had any major impact on the use of the areas because there are no continuous operations in the area.
The company has no major impact on the landscape at this stage. The test structures that have been made in the area is in an old gravel extraction area that is in the old mining area. Because of this the impact on the landscape is minimal. Also, the effect of the ground water monitoring pipes and marking of the diamond core drill holes are minimal.
Hannukainen Mining Oy is committed to maintaining open and constructive dialogue with its stakeholders. The company informs landowners and key stakeholders of upcoming field activities prior to their commencement and provides regular updates on project progress and corporate developments through its website, press releases, and newsletters.
In 2024, the company strengthened its stakeholder collaboration in several areas, drawing on the results of the stakeholder survey conducted in the previous year. In October 2024, Hannukainen Mining registered with the Finnish Government Transparency Register and launched a renewed website designed to improve accessibility and information discoverability. Towards the end of the year, the company also established social media channels on Instagram and YouTube.
Continuous engagement with stakeholders is ensured through a variety of communication and interaction channels, including the Vänkätupa information office, telephone, email, stakeholder meetings (6), electronic newsletters (3), newspaper announcements (7), and press releases (8). A dedicated press conference was held to present the results of the stakeholder survey. By year-end, the company’s Instagram and YouTube channels had published 85 posts and attracted 395 followers.
Several feedback channels have been created for stakeholders, supported by a system for processing responses. All relevant feedback is addressed, and operations are continuously improved based on the input received.
Hannukainen Mining is actively involved in promoting the electrification of the Kolari railway line. The company also supports local and regional community organizations, with a particular focus on initiatives that enhance the well-being of children and young people and provide diverse recreational opportunities. In addition, Hannukainen Mining contributes to cultural and environmental initiatives and supports leisure activities for employees’ families.
In 2024, the company was represented at numerous events, including trade fairs and public gatherings. The Kolari office, Vänkätupa, was open to the public on 35 occasions during the year, welcoming a total of 556 visits.
