“There is no such thing as socially and environmentally sustainable mining!”
Today in Espoo, Finland, a meeting of bureaucrats and industrialists entitled Conference on Socially and Environmentally Responsible Mining was disrupted by the group Hyökyaalto (Tidal wave). The following statement was released today:
With the Northern mining boom the mining industry, famous for its chemical emissions, is threatening waters and ecosystems in various locations, where clean nature offers the most possibilities for local people. It is grotesque that the people involved gather to discuss the mining industry as a sustainable activity while every emergency dam in the Talvivaara mine is leaking poisonous waste into Vuoksi waters.
The action is a protest against the industry and the states attempt to legitimize mining by discussing its sustainability. Protesters are reminding people that no such thing as responsible, sustainable or green mining exists. The Talvivaara mine in Sotkamo, Eastern Finland is a clear example that the only green things caused by mining are the polluted swamps and waters. The mining industry, famous for its chemical emissions, threatens the waters and other ecosystems crucial to everyone living in the surrounding areas. The action is arranged in solidarity with the Stop Talvivaara movement and all the people to whom mining industry causes suffering around the world.
The environmental activists feel that direct action is the only strategy left to make a difference since the Finnish government has decided to support mining and ignore the critical voices from the people completely. Thus, the public opinion has no impact in the parlamentary system. A revealing example of this is that the opening speaker for the two-day greenwashing conference is Heidi Hautala from the Finnish Green party.
The organising group of this protest, Hyökyaalto demands immediate shutdown of Talvivaara mine and abandoning all other mining plans.