Finland’s exploration permitting authority has defended the granting of an exploration permit to Kingsrose Mining (ASX:KRM) and is calling for an appeal against it to be dismissed.
In August 2024, two non-governmental organisations NGOs, the Keminseutu Nature Conservation Association and Mining Watch Finland, lodged an appeal to the July 2024 granting of the permit relating to Area 1 of the Penikat platinum group elements-nickel-copper project.
Kingsrose says it is not uncommon for NGOs to appeal against the granting of exploration permits in Finland.
The company is also hopeful of a positive outcome because between 2012 and 2024 more than a thousand exploration permits were granted across Finland, with less than 1% of decisions in Administrative Courts being overturned.
To commence exploration drilling at the Penikat project, Kingsrose is required to obtain an enforceable exploration permit from Tukes and an enforceable derogation permit from the Ministry of Environment.
Both the Exploration Permit and the Derogation Permit include conditions to minimise potential environmental and social impacts of drilling at the project.
Kingsrose was granted the derogation permit in June 2024 followed by the exploration permit in July of the same year.
Managing Director Fabian Baker says Kingsrose was aware that exploration permitting at Penikat would be a “substantial task”.
“However, we believe that the potential of Penikat, as demonstrated by historical drilling, is worth the investment,” he says.
“To support the process, we have employed an experienced sustainability team and engaged proven local permitting consultants and legal counsel.”
The permitting body, Tukes, has provided a statement to the Northern Finland Administrative Court defending its approval of the exploration permit.
Tukes argues that the permit decision was prepared with sufficient investigations and statements, considering the special conditions of the exploration area, including Natura and protected areas.
In its statement, the authority addresses several claims made by the appellants, including the adequacy of public hearing, the need for wider impact assessments, and the handling of harmful minerals and deep drilling impacts.
Tukes argues that the permit conditions adequately address these concerns.
Kingsrose’s legal counsel has also submitted a legal rejoinder to the Administrative Court demonstrating compliance with Finnish law, adherence to best practise, and dismissing the appellant’s statements.
To further support Kingsrose’s proposed drilling at Penikat, the company has submitted an Extractive Waste Management Plan to Tukes for the proposed program at Area 1.
The Administrative Court will now either determine that it has sufficient information to make a decision or decide that additional details are required, in which case the court may request further information from relevant authorities, Kingsrose, or the appellant.
“It is a testament to the quality of our work that Tukes, ELY and the Ministry of Environment have approved our exploration plans and we hope that this appeal is dismissed in time for us to commence drilling in the upcoming winter of 2025/2026,“ Baker says.
Meanwhile, Kingsrose submitted the Natura 2000 Report for Areas 2-5 in December 2024. Tukes has provided the report to regional environmental regulator ELY, which has six months to provide a statement on the report, after which Tukes can award the exploration permits.
Kingsrose says it will meet with ELY to discuss the report and the review process in March.
The company will be exhibiting at this year’s Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) event being held from 2-5 March in Toronto, Canada.
The annual award winning convention brings together up to 30,000 attendees from over 130 countries for its educational programming, networking events, as well as business and investment opportunities.
Mining.com.au is an official media partner for the upcoming event. To register for PDAC 2025 click here.
Write to Angela East at Mining.com.au
Images: Kingsrose Mining
