Situation of the Talvivaara mine on Minister Vapaavuori's agenda in Kajaani

Minister of Economic Affairs Jan Vapaavuori who is responsible for matters relating to the Talvivaara mine in the Government will visit Kajaani on Friday 10 April. The purpose of the visit is to exchange views with local operators on action taken by the authorities and the bankruptcy estate regarding operations of the mine.

"The situation of the Talvivaara mine is not easy to understand on the basis of published information even though public authority information has been readily available. Environmental issues are taken extremely seriously in Talvivaara and authorities and other operators cooperate tightly to improve the situation of the mine and to protect the local environment. It is the duty of authorities to make up-to-date, fact-based information on the mine available. This is why we want a direct dialogue also with the operators in the area and local people", Vapaavuori says.

During his visit, Minister Vapaavuori will meet representatives of the mine, the Talvivaara Sotkamo Oy bankruptcy estate, the Kainuu ELY Centre and the local authorities of Kajaani and Sotkamo. Vapaavuori will also meet representatives of local organisations.

In conjunction with the visit, an open forum for Talvivaara-related questions will be organised at the Kajaani City Hall at 16.30-17.30 (Pohjolankatu 13, Kajaani). Questions about the water situation and other topical issues relating to the Talvivaara mine will be answered by Minister Vapaavuori, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment Hannele Pokka, officials of the Ministry of the Environment and the Kainuu ELY Centre together with Director of the Talvivaara office Mika Lautanala and representatives of the mine's bankruptcy estate.

Inquiries: Laura Manninen, Special Adviser to Minister Vapaavuori, tel. +358 50 361 7511 and Markku Mantila, Director of Government Communications, tel. +358 50 462 6435