Developing Tools for the Integration of Mining with other Land Uses

Mining and mineral exploration activities have increased notably in Finland during the last 20 years. This has created challenges in land use planning in the municipalities were the activities are intense, and affects the social licence of the industry to operate. The aim of our research is to contribute in improving the pro-activity in land use related decision-making and strengthening the prerequisites in gaining a social license to operate. This is done by investigating 1) the potential future overlap of different land use types (such as exploration, mining, forestry, reindeer herding, and tourism and recreation), 2) the dialogue mechanisms between interested parties, and 3) the opportunities and limitations that legal frameworks provide for adaptive decision-making. Our multidisciplinary approach enables in gaining a deep understanding on how to reconcile different interests on mining intensive areas.