Biocover Solutions of Mining Sites in Kainuu (Biopeitto Kainuu)
- Project research area
- Geoenvironment
- Project duration
- 01.09.2023 - 31.12.2025
Introduction
JTF Biopeitto Kainuu is a co-project of the EAKR Biopeitto 3 project, which develops cover structures for extractive waste areas by adding biocircular economy side-stream materials to them (e.g. biochar made from forest waste wood, composted sewage sludge and fly and sludge ash generated in heat production) with the aim of reducing the amount of till used in the cover and at the same time promote water management of cover structures and plant growth in the areas.
The project is coordinated by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) and partners are Geological Survey of Dinlabd (GTK) and Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) from 1 September 2023 to 31 December 2025.
The aim is
1) reduce the environmental impact of mining waste, such as runoff from acidic and metal-rich leachate from side rock and tailings areas
2) minimize the amount of till needed in the cover
3) develop cover materials and promote the development of the growth layer
4) make use of local circular economy by-stream materials, such as composted sewage sludge, biochar made from waste wood and power plant ash
5) increase cooperation between mines, the municipalities and producers of biocircular side-streams
6) promote the emergence of new business opportunities instead of peat production.
As part of the project’s measures, new covering materials will be tested using recycled nutrients. As preliminary experiments, grass growth is piloted with different nutrient mixtures in a greenhouse. Based on the results, promising growth media/nutrient mixtures are selected to be established on waste rock area. The current physical and chemical conditions of the waste rock areas will be investigated before the new cover structure.
The test areas to be established in the project are located in mining areas of Elementis Minerals Oy and Terrafame Oy in Sotkamo. Other partners and supporters of the project are the municipality of Sotkamo, Metsäkeskus Forest Center and Taaleri Bioteollisuus Oy.
Project funding: Just Transition Fund (JTF), Regional Council of Kainuu
Contact person: Raija Pietilä
