Stone aggregates from state lands

Areas managed by Metsähallitus may be used for aggregate extraction where the activity is compatible with other uses of the area. Metsähallitus operates an environmental management system based on the ISO 14001 standard. Accordingly, we apply environmental protection requirements consistently to all operators.

Before establishing a new aggregate extraction site, we carry out an internal preliminary assessment that includes input from Metsähallitus Forestry Ltd and Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland.

The extensive state-owned land areas managed by Metsähallitus make it possible to identify aggregate resources close to a variety of infrastructure projects. The proximity of an extraction site is important for project implementation. Short transport distances can reduce transport costs and transport-related emissions.

For companies

Above all, our aggregate business is about creating preconditions for operators in this industry. We explore and map the state’s soil and rock resources and support the permitting of extraction sites. The sites for sale and lease can be found on the website Kaivannaiset.fi (Finnish only).

Our customers often identify suitable areas for their business activities themselves. Where required, Metsähallitus can grant exploration permits for more detailed investigations. The use of machinery for aggregate exploration or off-road operations, such as test excavations carried out with an excavator, requires a separate fee-based exploration permit.

Our practices in aggregate business

Before entering into an agreement, we verify that the prospective customer has fulfilled its statutory obligations under the Finnish Act on the Contractor’s Obligations and Liability and is not subject to international sanctions.

Prices are always negotiated as part of the contract negotiations and are linked to index adjustments. The fee per tonne is tied to the civil engineering cost index, while the basic lease payment is linked to the cost-of-living index. Prices are reviewed annually on 1 January based on the average index value of the previous year.

For leased sites, the contract period corresponds to the validity of the aggregate extraction permit and is typically ten years.

Once the agreement has been signed, the customer may begin applying for the permits required for operations. We review the permit plan before it is submitted to the municipal authority and provide the landowner’s consent as an attachment to the aggregate extraction permit application. Once the permit has been granted, the operator must provide a lease security deposit to Metsähallitus and a site restoration security deposit to the municipality.

We carry out inspections of extraction sites on a random basis two to three times during the contract period. In addition, the authorities conduct annual inspections in accordance with the Finnish Aggregates Act, and the tenant must provide us with copies of the inspection reports.

The tenant submits extraction reports either quarterly or monthly, as agreed, and we invoice accordingly.

Once the extraction activities have ended and the site has been restored in accordance with the permit conditions, the security deposits are returned.

Metsähallitus processes stone aggregates only for its own use in the construction, maintenance and upgrading of forest roads and does not supply aggregates to external customers.