07.11.2025
OECD adopts recommendations for the extractive sector
In June, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published a regional profile of Northern Ostrobothnia. Enhancing Regional Mining Ecosystems in Oulu Region, Finland.
The report examines the regional potential to strengthen the green transition, secure access to critical raw materials and develop sustainable mining. The regional profile provides a clear plan for the region to strengthen its extractive ecosystem in a sustainable and inclusive way.
The report provides concrete recommendations to the region in five areas: policy orientations, governance, labour market, innovation and circular economy, and infrastructure.
The report highlights the extractive strategy as a necessary regional policy orientation. It is recommended that a clear regional extractive strategy be drawn up for Northern Ostrobothnia, linking local and national objectives. It is also proposed to strengthen cooperation between different levels of government, especially in permitting processes and environmental assessments.
Content of the recommendations
In order to strengthen the social acceptance of mining, which needs to be supported by the community, it is proposed to develop participatory practices and to increase dialogue in cooperation with local communities. It also proposes streamlining and anticipating permitting processes in order to improve the conditions for investments.
There is a desire to invest in skills and the labour market in the development of education and skills, especially in the fields of geology, environmental technology and the circular economy. Responding to the needs of the sector is important, so closer cooperation between educational decision-making bodies and businesses is also recommended.
The report proposes utilising the RDI know-how of circular economy stakeholders in the Oulu region. This would reduce the environmental impact of mining. Support for circular economy solutions, such as the utilisation of side stones and the recycling of materials, is also proposed.
In the area of infrastructure and accessibility, investment in logistics, road network and digital connectivity is recommended, especially in remote areas. The infrastructure can be used to improve accessibility and enable new mining projects.
The implementation of the recommendations requires extensive cooperation between the public sector, businesses, educational decision-making bodies and citizens. Northern Ostrobothnia has the opportunity to become an international model in mining, combining technological know-how, responsibility and regional development.
Background
In addition to Northern Ostrobothnia, the OECD survey included four other regions in Finland (Lappi, Kainuu, Central Ostrobothnia, North Karelia) as well as regions in Portugal, Greece, Sweden and Spain. The aim of the study was to strengthen the functioning of regional extractive ecosystems, develop sustainable approaches to European mineral production and improve the well-being of residents in areas specialized in mining.
The project Enhancing EU mining regional ecosystems to support green transition and secure mineral raw materials supply has produced regional profiles for the participating regions as well as an EU-wide study. The two-year project has been funded by the European Commission's Technical Support Instrument (TSI). The project has been completed and the reports can be found on the OECD website:
More information:
Northern Ostrobothnia Region Profile . A Finnish version will be available later.
European-wide report of the study
