The graphite mine planned by the British Beowulf Mining in the Finnish town of Heinävesi has faced widespread opposition from local actors and residents of the area.
Currently, Pöyry's environmental impact study is underway, for example, to identify endangered animal species. The aim is to carry out a project survey, which is likely to start at the end of the summer. Project mapping includes, among other things, a profitability assessment, which is a key issue for the mine.
Beowulf Mining is involved in the GigaVaasa project running from the Vaasa battery factory, and the Heinävesi mine could possibly produce graphite at the Vaasa plant if one is established. Currently, there is no information on the progress of the project at the moment.
According to the mining company, this is a promising Finnish graphite deposit that can possibly be used as anodic material for lithium-ion batteries. However, further clarification is needed.
However, the Heinävesi mine, which was already in the early stages of resistance, is not the company's only project. The exploration permit has also been granted to Kiihtelysvaara, where Beowulf Mining also owns a graphite deposit. Graphite samples from Kiihtelysvaara are currently in laboratory studies. In addition, applications have also been made to Leppävirta, Kemijärvi and Kolari.
The decision to apply for a mining permit for Heinävesi will be made at the end of the year, said the company spokesperson.
