Where to Find Gold Available in Finland

Finland has a long history of gold, starting in the 16th century. The 19th century saw big finds, leading to the Lapland gold rush. Today, most gold is found in Lapland, especially in the Ivalo River Valley and Lemmenjoki National Park.

The gold found here is very pure, with about 23 carats. This makes it the purest gold found naturally.

Even though Finland doesn’t produce much gold, it still draws both pros and hobbyists. Manual gold panning is a favorite, especially in Lemmenjoki National Park. It’s been a gold lover’s spot since the 1870s.

Key Takeaways

• Finland’s gold reserves are mainly in Lapland, especially the Ivalo River Valley and Lemmenjoki National Park.
• Finnish alluvial gold is very pure, with about 23 carats of gold content.
• Gold production in Finland is small, but manual gold panning is still loved in some areas.
• Finland’s gold history goes back to the 16th century, with big finds in the 19th century causing the Lapland gold rush.
• Tankavaara, in Sodankylä, is a tourist spot for gold prospecting since the 1970s.

Historical Background of Finnish Gold Discovery

The history of gold in Finland goes back centuries. Finnish gold exploration started in the early 16th century. Gold was first found in Utsjoki, Finnish Lapland. But, it wasn’t until the 1860s that big discoveries were made. This started a new time for gold mining in Finland.

First Gold Discoveries in the 16th Century

The first gold in Finland was found in the 16th century. It was in Utsjoki, Lapland. These early finds were small but started the journey of Finnish gold exploration.

The 1860s Norwegian Connection

The 1860s were key for gold mines in Finland. Norwegian geologist Tellef Dahll found gold in the Tana River. This river is on the border of Finland and Norway. His discovery made people want to look for gold again.

The Birth of Finnish Gold Mining

In 1868, engineer Conrad Lihr found gold in the Ivalo River. This was a big deal. It made the Russian government, which ruled Finland, make new rules for gold mining in Lapland. These rules were approved by Tsar Alexander II in 1870. They let “decent” men from Finland and Russia look for gold.

“The discovery of gold in the Ivalo River in 1868 marked a turning point in the history of Finnish gold exploration, setting the stage for the Lapland gold rush that would soon follow.”

The Famous Lapland Gold Rush of 1870

In the late 19th century, Finland had a big gold rush in Lapland. It started in 1870. About 500 people went to the Ivalo River valley to find gold.

This brought many adventurers to the area. They built the Kultala Crown Station. It was for the authorities and helped the prospectors.

At its peak, Kultala had about 600 people. But, the gold rush didn’t last long. By the early 1880s, gold was harder to find. The Kultala Crown Station then became a place to study the northern lights. It closed in 1900.

The 1870 Lapland Gold Rush is a big part of Finnish history and culture. It has inspired many artists. Today, gold panning in Finland is still popular. The Ivalo River valley is a favorite spot for gold panning in Finland.

“The Lapland Gold Rush was a seminal moment in Finland’s history, igniting a spirit of adventure and entrepreneurship that still resonates with the Finnish people.”

The gold rush of the 1870s may have ended quickly. But it started Finland’s love for gold panning in Finland. The Lapland Gold Rush’s legacy still shapes Finland’s culture. It also attracts visitors from all over to try their luck at finding gold.

Major Gold Mining Regions in Modern Finland

Finland has many famous gold mining spots. Each place has its own story and special rocks. Let’s look at three key areas where you can find gold.

Ivalo River Valley

The Ivalo River Valley is in northern Finland. It’s been a gold hunting spot since the 1800s. The first gold find was in 1868, attracting many miners.

Today, the Ivalo River area still finds Finland’s gold production. You can see mines and claims all over.

Lemmenjoki National Park

Lemmenjoki National Park was made in 1956. It’s famous for gold mining companies in Finland. Gold was found here in the 1950s.

The park is big and wild. It’s perfect for finding gold, whether you’re a pro or just for fun.

Tankavaara Gold Village

Tankavaara Gold Village is in Sodankylä. It’s known for Finland’s gold mining history. Gold was found here in 1934.

Now, it’s a place for tourists. You can pan for gold and learn about mining history.

These three places show why gold is so special in Finland. They offer great chances to find gold and learn about mining history.

Gold Available in Finland: Current Prospecting Areas

Finland’s Lapland is famous for gold mining. Places like the Ivalo River Valley, Lemmenjoki National Park, and Tankavaara are hot spots. They draw many prospectors and miners.

The Lemmenjoki area is buzzing with activity. About 20 prospectors and over 50 claims are active. They find more than 20 kilograms of gold each year by panning.

But, a 2011 law changed things. It banned mechanical mining in Lemmenjoki National Park until 2021. Now, only traditional methods like panning are allowed.

Finland is also finding gold in other places. Mustajärvi has shown promise. One spot had 0.47 g/t Au in a drill test. Rock samples there have gold up to 59.12 g/t.

In Jeesiö, ground surveys found gold in samples from 5.04 g/t to 33.6 g/t. There’s also a new silica-rich rock outcrop 500 meters from old drills. This hints at more gold nearby.

Even though Finland’s gold isn’t officially mined yet, the search goes on. Lapland is still a top spot for finding gold.

“The ongoing exploration efforts and promising results suggest that the country’s Lapland region continues to be a prime destination for gold prospecting and future mining opportunities.”

Quality and Characteristics of Finnish Gold

The gold in Finland, especially in Lapland, is very high quality. It has a purity of 23-carat, one of the highest in nature. This purity comes from the area’s unique geological history, where gold formed over 2,000 million years.

Unique Properties of Lappish Gold

The gold nuggets in Lapland are rare and beautiful. They are often more valuable than their metal worth. These beautiful pieces are shaped by nature over thousands of years. The gold in Finland is loved for its beauty and purity, making it popular among collectors and jewelry lovers.

The Finnish gold reserves are exceptional. The gold available in Finland is highly valued. It’s prized for its uses and cultural importance in Finland’s art and history.

“The gold found in Lapland is a result of geological processes dating back 2000 million years when the area had mountains approximately 4 kilometers high.”

Legal Requirements for Gold Prospecting in Finland

If you want to gold prospect in Finland or explore Finnish gold, you need to know the laws. Gold prospecting in Finland has many rules. These rules are set by the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes).

Tukes is in charge of mining in Finland. They handle mining permits and safety. They make sure mining is done right and safely.

• All mines in Finland need permits from Tukes. This includes mining and safety permits.
• Local zoning plans are needed to open a mine in Finland.
• Mining in the Sámi Homeland must respect Sámi rights.

Getting permits can take a long time. It usually takes at least 15 years. This is from starting to look for ore to planning the mine.

Gold panning has its own rules. Tukes gives out permits for gold panning. The area for a permit is 7 hectares. It can take 3 to 24 months to get a permit.

Permits are given to the first person who applies. So, if you want to gold prospect in Finland or explore Finnish gold, know the rules. Apply for permits early.

Gold Panning Tourism and Activities

Finland is a great place for gold panning. It’s full of history and fun. The Tankavaara Gold Village is a top spot for gold panning in Finland and Finnish gold tourism.

Guided Tours and Experiences

The Tankavaara Gold Village offers tours and gold panning. You can learn from experts and try to find gold. It’s a fun way to see Finnish gold prospecting.

• Participate in guided gold panning expeditions
• Discover the techniques and tools used by Finnish gold prospectors
• Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Lapland region while searching for elusive flecks of gold

Gold Museum Exhibitions

The Tankavaara Gold Prospector Museum is open all year. It’s the only museum worldwide for gold panning and prospecting. You can see lots about gold panning in Finland and gold mining around the world.

“The Tankavaara Gold Prospector Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich history and ongoing allure of gold prospecting in Finland.”

At the museum, you can see how Lapland’s gold prospecting started. There’s also an International Gold History exhibit. The staff will tell you all about Finnish gold tourism.

Professional Gold Mining Companies in Finland

Finland is known for its rich natural resources. This has drawn many professional gold mining companies. The country’s gold mining history goes back to the 16th century.

In the 1920s, two big companies tried to mine gold on a large scale in Finland. But, they both failed in a few years. Now, small-scale mining goes on in places like the Lemmenjoki National Park. Prospectors are still looking for gold there.

Finland’s mining scene also includes big companies. They mine many minerals, including gold. These companies use new tech to work better, safer, and greener.

Boliden Kevitsa Mining in Finland mines many valuable things. This includes nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum, palladium, and gold. They work hard to protect the environment and use new tech to mine better.

Other important players in Finland’s gold mining are companies like DCA Systems Ltd.. They help make mining safer and more efficient. Also, CSR Laboratories helps with analyzing samples and doing chemical tests.

Finland is getting better at using its natural resources. The country’s drive for innovation and responsible mining is changing the future. This is for gold mining companies in Finland and the nation’s gold production.

“Finland has a long history of mining activity with about 270 metal mines in operation, producing copper, nickel, zinc, cobalt, gold, chromium, iron, and vanadium.”

Seasonal Gold Prospecting Guidelines

Best Times for Gold Panning

Gold prospecting in Finland is best in summer. This is because the winters are very cold. From late June to late September, rivers and streams are open for panning.

Lemmenjoki National Park is very popular during this time. It welcomes about 30,000 visitors each year. They come to pan for gold in the park’s special areas.

Equipment and Preparation Tips

Before you start, make sure you have the right tools. You’ll need gold pans, sluice boxes, and camping gear if you’re going to Lemmenjoki National Park. Gold panning is only allowed in certain spots and you need a permit.

Also, know the park’s rules. You can’t drive dog sleds or use cars in some areas. Planning and following the rules will help you have a great time gold prospecting in Finland’s beautiful outdoors.