Water and society: mutual challenges for eco-efficient and socially acceptable mining in Finland

As a result of an increased global demand on metals and minerals a number of new metal mines have been launched into operation around the world. In Finland, the reviving mining industry has faced public criticism regarding its social licence to operate. A central theme in this criticism is a concern for water management and the release of effluents into the environment. This article reviews the environmental and social performance of the Finnish mining sector in water related issues. Main challenges are in water use and water quality and finding alternative solutions based on technologies, environmental indicators, and different means of communication.