Savukoski residents support developing the domestic mining industry
According to a recent survey, Savukoski residents are in favour of processing mining products in Finland and value the jobs created by the mining industry.
In a survey targeted to Savukoski residents, 92% of the respondents agreed that minerals extracted in Finland should be processed further domestically and not exported. 80% agreed that the mining industry brings jobs to many localities in which the job market would otherwise be sparse.
Savukoski residents support the Finnish State’s investments in research, education, and product development, which would develop expertise in the mining sector. In fact, a majority (74%) recommend studies in mining for young people uncertain about their upper secondary education.
Savukoski residents’ views on mining were surveyed with interviews for the third time. The previous surveys are from 2023 and 2021. In total, 50 of the municipality’s roughly 1,000 residents responded to the survey.
The majority of Savukoski residents are in favour of opening a mine in Sokli
Almost two-thirds (62%) of the respondents fully or partially agreed with the statement, “I am in favour of opening a mine in Sokli, provided that the operations at the mine will be arranged in a responsible manner with respect to the environment and local livelihoods.”
When operating, the Sokli mine would reduce Finland's and Europe's dependence on, for example, the Chinese and Russian mining industry products. Most respondents (64%) agreed that Finland’s dependence on Chinese and Russian mines is too high at the moment.
It is possible to build a processing industry near the mine, increasing the added value of Finnish production and bringing more jobs to the Lapland region. Three out of four respondents (76%) agreed building a processing industry near the mine would be beneficial.
The respondents agreed the most with the following statements:
- Minerals extracted in Finland should be processed further domestically and not exported.
- The mining industry brings jobs to many localities in which the job market would otherwise be sparse.
The respondents disagreed the most with the following statements:
- I could not, for reasons of principle, study mining or work in a mining company.
- There is no need for mines in Europe, as raw materials can be imported from elsewhere.
The Sokli mine would employ over a thousand Finns when operating
We are interested in hearing the opinions of Savukoski residents, as Sokli Oy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Finnish Minerals Group, is advancing the Sokli mining project in the Municipality of Savukoski.
According to an assessment of the regional economic impacts commissioned by Finnish Minerals Group, the mine would generate more than EUR 700 million of new revenue and create a labour demand of approximately 1,300–1,500 person-years in Finland when operating. These numbers include the direct impacts and the multiplier effects of production and consumption.
In addition to phosphate and iron, the Sokli mine could produce various rare earth elements (REE), which are essential for the transition to renewable energy.
The survey, which was implemented by interviewing people over the phone, was carried out by Taloustutkimus Oy between 27 and 28 January 2025. The respondents were randomly selected Finns aged between 15 and 79 residing in Savukoski.
Further information on the study:
Click here to see the detailed results of the 2025 survey (in Finnish)
Click here to see the results of the 2023 survey
Click here to see the results of the 2021 survey
Results of the Sokli Regional Economic Impact Assessment
Further information on the Sokli mining project:
Pasi Heino, Project Director, Sokli Oy
firstname.lastname(at)mineralsgroup.fi, +358 50 553 5032