Orivesi Rejects Lithium Mining Near Eräjärvi

"The area is not suitable for mining because it lies in the middle of settlements and Eräjärvi village," YLE reports. Battery 3 Finland, Australian-owned, seeks lithium near Eräjärvi and has already secured a permit for one area, with a second permit application pending as Orivesi opposes mining near the village and surrounding countryside.

Orivesi mayor Juha Kuusisto says the site is within inhabited areas and central to nature, tourism, cottages, and livelihoods. The town opposed the mining permit in April 2025, and Tukes granted it in October; the city has appealed to Hämeenlinna Administrative Court, joined by environmental groups and private residents. Residents Laura Jussila and Miia Sirén voice concerns about water bodies, groundwater, and potential ecological harm, while also acknowledging possible jobs.

YLE notes that Battery 3 Finland's Tapani Hyysalo explains their approach: they focus on exploration and would develop with a mining company if deposits are found. He adds that, under current mining law, the municipality has zoning monopoly and can veto mining by not wanting it; if the municipality does not want mining, there will be no mine. Anne Jarva of the Municipal Association suggests early opposition can benefit the municipality, and there are no known cases under the new act of a municipality refusing to draft a zoning plan allowing mining.