Returning to northern roots
Born in Sodankylä, Heidi Koskiniemi grew up in nearby Kemijärvi before leaving Northern Finland to pursue studies in Oulu and to build a career in southern Finland. After spending nearly two decades living and working in larger cities — she decided to seek new challenges. Seven years ago, Koskiniemi made the move back to Sodankylä to take on a role as a Quality Developer in the EHSQ department at Boliden Kevitsa.
Having experienced life elsewhere, Koskiniemi brings a perspective that combines deep familiarity with local northern culture with a clear view of what makes small-town Lapland viable for returning professionals.
An economic engine for employment and services
According to a 2026 municipal survey conducted by Taloustutkimus, 95% of local respondents agree that mining has a positive effect on local employment, while 94% see a positive impact on the municipal economy. Furthermore, 88% recognize positive contributions to local entrepreneurship, and 84% view mining as beneficial to municipal services.
This economic foundation plays a critical role in retaining working-age families and curbing population decline. For many young people in Northern Finland, pursuing higher education requires moving away to regional centers like Oulu or Rovaniemi. Returning to a municipality like Sodankylä later in life depends heavily on available employment opportunities for both individuals and their partners, alongside access to affordable housing, schools, and daycare places.
"For me, returning to Sodankylä was an easy decision once I was offered a permanent position at Boliden Kevitsa," explains Koskiniemi. "Living in Sodankylä has not brought any major surprises. If you are genuinely willing to commit to the community and build your life in Sodankylä, people can see that. In return, you are likely to find a welcoming community and a place where it is easy to feel at home."
Sustaining community life and northern quality of life
The employment created by mining supports the broader social framework of Sodankylä, maintaining demand for local businesses, schools, cultural events, and recreational infrastructure. For residents, economic security complements a high quality of life centered around immediate access to Lapland's nature.
Sodankylä offers extensive opportunities for outdoor activities—including hiking, fishing, berry picking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and hunting—alongside active local sports and hobby clubs.
"One of the things I appreciate most is how close nature is. You don't have to go far to get outdoors. In fact, you can step out of your front door and be surrounded by nature almost immediately," notes Koskiniemi.
Environmental oversight behind the scenes
Despite the economic benefits, local acceptance of mining depends heavily on responsible environmental management. Resident surveys show that concerns primarily center on water quality, biodiversity, and ensuring mining remains compatible with other local livelihoods. Long-term community support requires rigorous oversight and transparent reporting.
At Kevitsa, environmental monitoring covers air and water emissions, noise and dust levels, and regular ecological studies on nearby habitats, plants, and wildlife species. Although active mining is planned until 2034—with closure work continuing until 2039—closure planning is already underway to ensure a safe transition to a post-mining state.
"From what I've seen, many people probably don't realize how much work goes on behind the scenes when it comes to environmental monitoring," Koskiniemi emphasizes. "Most people only see the mine itself, but there are also people spending a lot of time collecting samples, analyzing results, preparing reports and working with authorities. Environmental issues are taken seriously. They are part of everyday work at the mine, not something that is only discussed when reports need to be submitted."
Looking toward the future
Sustaining long-term vitality in Sodankylä requires maintaining a diversified economy alongside strong municipal services and employment opportunities for future generations. For locals who have chosen to build their careers and life here, the decision reflects both confidence in the region's future and deep satisfaction with northern life.
"When I moved back to Sodankylä seven years ago, quite a few people wondered why. My answer then was simple, and it still is today: I haven't regretted the decision for a single moment," Koskiniemi reflects. "Having worked in different locations, lived in larger cities and travelled around the world, I have experienced what life is like elsewhere. Because of that, I do not feel that I gave anything up by moving here. I can say that moving back to Sodankylä was the right choice for me."