Impacts of mining dust deposition on forest biodiversity and ecosystem services (MINEDUST)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet - Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 200 000 |
| Project duration | May 2021 - March 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Swedish mining and metal producing industry - SIP Swedish Mining Innovation |
| Call | Tackling sustainability, environmental and climate challenges in the mining and metals industry |
Important results from the project
The project achieved its goal of generating new knowledge on how mine dust affects boreal forest biodiversity and ecosystem services. Field studies showed impacts on mosses, lichens, plants, and pollinators. The project also strengthened collaboration between academia, industry, and Sámi communities, and sparked new research and interest from other sectors like wind power.
Expected long term effects
The project is expected to contribute in the long term to improved environmental assessments and management of mining operations by increasing knowledge about the impact of dust deposition on forest ecosystems. The results can support permitting processes, compensation measures, and environmental monitoring. The project also strengthens collaboration between academia, industry, and reindeer herding, and paves the way for continued research in the field.
Approach and implementation
The project was carried out by establishing study plots in all cardinal directions at varying distances from the active metal mines in Svappavaara and Aitik. We measured mine dust deposition, analyzed its metal content, and surveyed vegetation and pollinators. The results were analyzed to assess relationships between dust levels, metal uptake, and biodiversity, including species composition, richness, and abundance.