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Mon, 29 Aug, 2016 12:20:13 AM FTimes – STT Report, Aug 29  File Photo – Lehtikuva. The Sami Parliament is dissatisfied with the fact that permission for gold panning is now being granted for longer periods and greater areas.
The main problem is that, in the view of the Sami Parliament, estimating how gold panning affects Sami culture did not work even before the law changed, said Sami Parliament Environmental Secretary Anni-Helena Ruotsala.
The Sami Parliament is also concerned about the overall effects of disparate uses of land.
“This is Sami reindeer herding cooperative land, which already has a variety of uses. We should know the effects of all the influences working together,” said Ruotsala.
The Sami Parliament has appealed a number of mechanised mining permits, as the parliament considers that the authorization does not reflect fulfilment of the requirements of the law.
“Machine panning changes the environment, and it is essential to find out its exact effects, before licences are granted,” said Ruotsala.
On the issue, Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) Senior Officer Pasi Molkoselkä said the parliament and Tukes have differing views on what constitutes adequate studies on the environmental effects.
The Sami Parliament has stated that supervision must be strengthened, as is currently planned.
Ministry of Employment and Economy Mining Inspector General Riikka Aaltonen pointed out that operations can be interrupted, if necessary, even while permits are still valid.
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| Wednesday, 24 April, 2024 |
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