The environmental permit application process for the Suomussalmi talc project has progressed well. The public notice period for the environmental and water permit application has ended, and a total of seven statements, four objections, and an expert memorandum were submitted.
The Finnish Supervisory Agency (LVV) has forwarded these to the applicant for the preparation of a response.
The statements and objections mainly raised issues related to noise, dust, and impacts on water bodies. In its written response, the applicant will address the specific requirements and concerns presented in the statements and objections, and will supplement the application as requested by the authority.
LVV has requested additional information, including an assessment of the effects of the compensation water to be discharged into Haaposenpuro on the stream’s chemical and biological status and the associated habitat types, as well as a monitoring plan for evaluating these impacts.
The company is applying for an environmental protection permit for the utilization of talc reserves, the construction of a talc ore concentrator, talc grinding, the establishment of new waste rock areas adjacent to the existing one, the deposition of tailings, and the delivery of tailings for further processing. A water permit is being sought for groundwater pumping (dewatering of the open pit), reducing the Haaponen catchment area, and water intake from Lake Saarijärvi.
The aim of the project is to enable the development of a modern facility on the existing factory site of the Suomussalmi soapstone quarry and plant, producing carbon neutral and traceable talc.
