FinnAust Mining Finland Oy is committed to not operating in protected areas or nature parks. The exploration targets inside the exploration permits typically are situated in production forests, cutting areas and, when possible, in vicinity of already existing roads and forest tracks. In the terrain the environmental impact of mineral exploration is typically small, local, and temporary, and does not limit other usage of the property or prevent any recreational activities.
The majority of the bedrock observation, the geophysical surveys, and the sample collecting are conducted by foot causing no damage for the environment. The usage of a drill rig in the research area, however, causes noise and slightly wears out the vegetation in addition to compressing the soil on the used track. For this reason, the company plans the paths together with the landowner and the drill rig is positioned to the target by utilizing pre-existing tracks. Sometimes trees need to be cut down from the path of the rig. In this case the cutting is agreed upon with the property owner.
Generally, the impact on the terrain caused by a drill rig can be compared to the impact of a forestry machine or a similar work machine that moves in the terrain. The area impacted by the rig and other work conducted at the drill site is typically approximately 10x10m. The water used for the drilling is surface water that is circulated and collected in the closed water circulation system of the rig, or in some cases the water can be absorbed back to the ground. The fine rock material that mixes with the drilling water has the same composition as the bedrock of the area and is not contaminated in any other way. However, in most cases this fine material (drill cuttings) is still filtered from the water and transported away from the drill site.
During a drilling campaign, the geologists of the company supervise the safety and cleanliness of the worksite and, after the completion of the campaign, perform a final inspection of the area. The owner of the property can take part in the inspection if desired. After the drilling is completed, the only object left at the site is a metallic or plastic casing close to the ground level to protect the drill hole. The drill hole itself is approximately 10cm in diameter and the casing is slightly larger. The purpose of the casing is to later enable possible geophysical surveys or additional drilling.
Even if the exploration methods used by the company do not involve any significant environmental risks, FinnAust Mining Finland Oy has made a bank transaction for Tukes and deposited the amounts required and regulated by the exploration permit decision in case of an accident, other damage or to compensate any other obligation stated in the mining act (621/2011).
