People and Post-Mining Environments: PPGIS Mapping of Landscape Values, Knowledge Needs, and Future Perspectives in Northern Finland

Sonja Kivinen,Kaarina Vartiainen,Timo Kumpula

doi:10.3390/land7040151

Sonja Kivinen, Kaarina Vartiainen + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/land7040151

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Abstract

Mining can have a notable environmental and social footprint both during the production phase and after the mine closure. We examined local stakeholders’ viewpoints on two post-mining areas in northern Finland, Hannukainen and Rautuvaara, using a public participation geographic information system (PPGIS) approach. Spatially explicit data on local residents’ and visitors’ values, knowledge needs, and future perspectives on mining landscapes were collected with an online map-based survey tool (Harava). The results show that post-mining sites were generally considered unpleasant places. A majority of respondents were of the opinion that areas would need better reclamation and landscaping measures. The landscape surrounding the post-mining sites contained a wide diversity of pleasant places with high nature and recreational value. Respondents addressed various environmental concerns related to the impacts of former mining activities on the quality of ground water and surface water, potential soil contamination, and the safety of natural products. Opinions on the planned mine reopening were strongly divided among the respondents. One of the key questions was whether a large open-pit mine and nature-based tourism can coexist in the same region. Our results highlight that “the shadow of the mine”—observed environmental impacts, uncertainties related to the spatial extent, duration, and magnitude of impacts, and knowledge gaps—can affect local stakeholders’ land use far outside the mining sites and long after the mine closure. Identifying and mapping stakeholder values, opinions, and knowledge needs could significantly improve post-mining land use planning and mitigate the loss of multifunctional landscapes.

Highlights

IntroductionNorthern regions have experienced a mining boom in the 21st century, with extensive exploration activities, restarting old mines, and opening new ones [2,3,4,5]
Global demand for minerals continues to increase with economic prosperity and globalization [1].Northern regions have experienced a mining boom in the 21st century, with extensive exploration activities, restarting old mines, and opening new ones [2,3,4,5]
Knowledge needs, and land use preferences by local residents and visitors in two post-mining areas in northern Finland, Hannukainen and Rautuvaara, using a participation geographic information system (PPGIS)

Summary

Introduction

Northern regions have experienced a mining boom in the 21st century, with extensive exploration activities, restarting old mines, and opening new ones [2,3,4,5]. Mining often brings significant social, economic, and environmental changes to the region. On the one hand, mining activities can create new jobs and prosperity in local communities and boost regional economies. The environmental and social impacts of mining are not restricted to the active mining phase but can continue long after the mine closes. The questions included the respondent’s gender, age, place of residence, family form, education, occupation, and work and leisure in the study area. A Pearson chi-square test was conducted to study the association between the respondent’s opinions and his or her gender, age, relation to the region, and relation to the mining industry The survey was promoted in a local newspaper, in Facebook groups, in a mining seminar in Kolari, and by sending e-mail invitations to local organizations, societies, and entrepreneurs related to mining, tourism, nature conservation, reindeer herding, and outdoor activities.

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