Natura assessment of the Sakatti mining project

The Sakatti ore deposit is located deep in the bedrock in Sodankylä under the Viiankiaapa bog conservation area. The area, which is part of the EU's Natura 2000 network and Finland's mire protection program, has dozens of protected habitat types and species, which is why environmental issues must be taken into account and the mining project carried out with respect for the environment.

The ore deposit in the area contains copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum metal group elements, which are critical for Europe's green transition and the global transition towards renewable energy and electric mobility. The project has been classified as a strategic project at the EU level as part of the legislation on critical raw materials.

The developer of the mining project, Anglo American's subsidiary Sakatti Mining Oy, turned to our experts to prepare a Natura 2000 assessment and take the project one step closer to implementation.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration Leads to Comprehensive Assessment Report

The implementation of the Sakatti mining project requires careful investigation: how valuable minerals can be utilised while safeguarding a protected ecosystem.

"EU legislation requires a proper impact assessment before a project that may affect a Natura 2000 site can be approved. However, the legislation does not provide precise instructions on what 'appropriate assessment' means," says Maija Jylhä-Ollila, Project Manager of the assignment.

In the Natura assessment, the assessment scale is two-tiered and, in accordance with the precautionary principle, the impacts are considered significant, unless otherwise can be indisputably demonstrated. We knew from the beginning that this would be a major project that would be closely monitored and that would generate great public interest.

Maija Jylhä-Ollila Project Manager, WSP

Maija Jylhä-Ollila Project Manager, WSP

WSP's team of 20 experts from Finland and the UK worked on the assessment continuously for a year before submitting the report in February 2025. The participants included biologists, ornithologists, ecologists, hydrologists, hydrogeologists and Natura experts. They analysed the impact of the mine on the entire 65 km² conservation area.

The result was a report of more than 800 pages, which presents the extensive research results in a clear and understandable way. After a six-month review, the authorities approved the assessment and described it as an "exceptionally well-prepared Natura assessment" – a report in which up-to-date scientific information has been considered and the assessment proceeds in logical chains of reasoning.

Full transparency and mitigation measures

Ore mining would take place at a depth of up to 800 metres below the western edge of the conservation area. All above-ground operations planned for the mine are located outside the Viiankiaapa conservation area.

The biggest environmental concern is the potential drawdown of groundwater due to mine dewatering and the impact on sensitive peatland habitats. WSP’s assessment found that, even with mitigation, significant adverse effects could not be entirely ruled out for certain priority habitats and rare plant species. According to the assessment prepared by our experts, significant adverse effects cannot be completely ruled out for certain habitat types and rare plant species, even if mitigation measures are taken.

A suite of mitigation measures, including the exclusion of the NE satellite ore body from mining plans (reducing the area and duration of groundwater drawdown), are planned. The assessment concluded that, with these measures, most adverse hydrological impacts can be reduced to minor or moderate levels, and significant harm to most protected habitats and species can be avoided. However, for a small proportion of the Natura area—particularly certain fens and wooded mires—residual risks of significant degradation remain, especially under worst-case hydrological scenarios.

Ultimately, the project’s approval will hinge on a government-level decision to grant an exception under conservation law, recognising both the project’s national significance and the lack of less-damaging alternatives.

WSP Expertise in Sustainable Mining: Sakatti Project Success

The Sakatti mining project shows that with extensive research data, open dialogue and adaptability, it is possible to promote the utilisation of natural resources while respecting natural values. At the same time, it highlights the scientific expertise of our experts and the strength of our multidisciplinary, multinational team.

You can read the update of the Natura assessment here: Update of the Natura assessment | Anglo American Finland.