Evaluation of benefits, risks of Arctic mining suggested

A study showed that the environmental effects of mines will be reflected for decades into the future and affect both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

The effects are mainly generated by heavy metals that are accumulated in plants and animals and can cause changes in the reproductive success of different species and thus reduce biodiversity, said a press release issued by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke).

The joint study by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), University of Lapland and Geological Survey of Finland called GovAda, which gathers together scientific, peer-reviewed publications on the metallic, coal and industrial minerals and precious stones of the Arctic region, sheds light on the subject.

“There are surprisingly few environmental studies on prevention of risks and adverse effects, as well as, studies anticipating the effects of climate change. For example, melting of the regions with permafrost could increase acid mine drainage, which might increase the amount of heavy metals being carried into the soil from mines”, said Anne Tolvanen, professor at Luke, who is the responsible author for the publication.

The positive economic effects of mining are reflected on other trades, such as services, during mining operations and mineral prospecting. However, in sparsely populated regions, for example in Arctic Canada or Greenland, the economic links of mining with other trades of the region are weak, and temporary workforce often comes from outside the region. Thus, there is no development in the local services, and the economic benefits mainly end up elsewhere.

“In studies regarding economic effect, all effects of mining, such as the environmental effects and the effects on producing public services, have often not been taken into considerations. Also in Finland, it is feared that the environmental effects and the impact on the landscape of mining would, for example, compromise the prerequisites for operations for tourism”, Tolvanen said.

She encourages to make comprehensive economic evaluations of mining, which would shed light more comprehensively on to what extent the economic benefits and adverse effects would remain in the region. At the same time, practical methods for ensuring the viability of the regions also after mining operations are ended, are needed.