Pampalo

Tapaustutkimus kaivostoiminnan sosiaalisista vaikutuksista harvaan asutulla maaseudulla

Abstract

During the last decade, the global demand for minerals has been growing rapidly. Finland is one of the
European countries facing the global metal boom. In addition to positive economic impacts, mining has
direct or indirect social impacts to rural areas and communities. The aim of this article is to increase understanding
on the social impacts of mining in remote rural areas and communities in Finland. The article
introduces a case study, a gold mine Pampalo, which started commercial production in 2011. The main
qualitative data consists of thematic interviews covering six different groups of actors: the municipality, the
mining company, mine workers, local people, local enterprises, and others actors operating in the area. The
paper is based on ethnographic research with qualitative content analysis. The results reveal that, in the
case at hand, mining has had several positive social impacts such as growing employment, new inhabitants,
increased tax incomes, and improved services in sparsely populated areas. Furthermore, the study shows
that mining company’s participation in the local community has improved the acceptance of mining among
the local inhabitants. In addition, commuting of mining workers spreads well-being to areas larger than just
the local community. In general, mining activities can generate new optimism in rural areas and increase
the social capital of local communities.