Demonstrators protest against Talvivaara mine in Finland
Demonstrators in the Kainuu region of east Finland have staged protests against the operations of the Talvivaara mining company on Thursday.
Around 100 protesters gathered in Sotkamo, a municipality in the region, to demand the closure of the mine.
Other demands include a clean up of waste water discharges from Talvivaara’s operations.
Conservationists have expressed worries over the environmental impact of uranium extraction.
High levels of hydrogen sulphide were apparently responsible for the death of a worker at the mine in March. The incident led to a temporary closure of the facility.
MEPs Sirpa Pietikäinen and Satu Hassi have asked the EU to examine whether Finnish officials have adequately monitored discharges from the Talvivaara mine.
Both European parliamentarians want environmental officials to take a tougher line as Talvivaara has continuously exceeded discharge levels outlined in the licence for the mine.
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